Caffeinated posts from a copywriter/adgrunt. I write about advertising, design, astronomy, cooking, and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy, including random bits of reference info for work purposes. You may also know me as 'that other gal' who helps run Adland. | make contact | RSS Feed | ATOM
Friday, January 31, 2003
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Friday memes
Friday Five
1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why? I liked She-ra (i'm probably spelling this wrong). She was a princess of power which was cool. I also liked Wonderwoman.
2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got? I don't know wha they were called but it was a circular thing you sat on and you turned a disk that made you spin. Oh and a Snoopy Snow Cone Machine.
3. What's the furthest from home you've been? Italy.
4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet? To be fluent in more than one language. I was nearly fluent in spanish once upon a time, but much of that knowledge has gone bye-bye. :o/
5. What are your plans for the weekend? None so far. Right now sleep would be cool, since the bitch upstairs woke me up this morning. So very angry....*grrrrrrrrr*
Weekly Wrap-up
1. Why do you blog? Keeps me up on things. I sort of started doing it as a way to keep busy during slow temp jobs that were extremely boring. I've started to use it to link to things I may want to revisit or things that I think are just interesting.
2. What do you blog about? Why? Usually it's advertising news or related things, astronomy type stuff or anything that catches my fancy. Why you ask? Because I find the stuff interesting.
3. Who is your primary blogging audience? Why? No idea. Yesterday I found a (free!) tool to be able to see referrers and so far the majority seem to be people looking up ad related stuff on the net.
4. What is your blogging philosophy? Why? My site, my words, my opinion...and if you don't like it, bugger off. :) Actually I don't really have a philosophy.
5. Have you ever stopped blogging or considered ending your blog? Why? What happened? Not really. I've taken breaks here and there because I couldn't fit it in time-wise, but that's about it.
Thursday, January 30, 2003
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Ads from the 80s (warning:popup ads abound) Cool for taking a trip down memory lane.
AOL'er Translator- Translate your message into something a 12-year old AOL user can understand. Talk about the destruction of language! ack!
Poster "art" from WWII, aka propaganda.
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Meme Time
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. When was the last time you ever walked out of a movie while it was still playing on screen? Or have you ever? I don't think I ever have, although there have been a few where I was *very* tempted to.
2. What sort of things would you do if you could be as outgoing and uninhibited as you wish? Nothing really comes to mind. I think I'm pretty outgoing as it is...well for the most part.
3. In an expensive restaurant, after a very nice, enjoyable meal, the waitress brings you your check. You notice you didn't get charged for one of the items. What, if anything, do you do? Considering money is tight now, probably nothing. If I had the money to pay for it, I might say something.
Thursday Threesome
Echoes: What sound do you hear from time to time that immediately draws up an echo from the past? Black Crow's cd...brings back a memory for me.
Visions: ...and what about something you might see now and again that evokes a scene from days gone by? Dolphins. They remind me of my past desire to become a marine biologist.
Memories: "Misty water color memories"? Is there a painting or a picture you like to look back on just to remember a certain time or place? Yes, quite a few of them in fact. :)
3 for Thursday (#19):
1. What are 3 things have eaten off of someone else's plate (or just someone else)? Hah. Um, berries, whipped cream, tomatoes.
2. What are 3 things that you like to lick or suck? Ice pops, lollys, and candycanes (I'm keeping this one clean!)
3. What 3 of your favorite foods do you consider finger lickin' good? Chocolate, sweet potato fries, and BBQ potato chips.
4. Do you like to play with your food? If so, what are 3 ways you play with your food? (like shooting peas through a straw…) Not really. Playing with my food was never something I really did.
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Woody's World of Penis Euphemisms and
Muffy's World of Vagina Euphemisms- for when you need to find another term for your "sweet spot". ;-)
Ad related news
Advertising loses ring of confidence- This article takes a look at Australian advertising and the deteriorating quality of ads.
New advertising panel aims to be industry barometer- "The major research project will look at industry confidence at one of the most crucial times in recent media history as experts struggle to predict when the beleaguered advertising market will recover. A panel of professionals from agencies, media owners and advertisers will examine major topics - including industry confidence and brand reputation - for a series of quarterly studies.The research is aimed at providing advertisers with a comprehensive view of the media world, including how various sectors of the media are performing, as well as likely future trends."
Kmart sets ad blitz amid closings- "Discount retailer Kmart Corp. said Thursday it will give out coupon books worth $150 to draw customers to its remaining stores as it begins closing more than 300 outlets as part of its plan to emerge from bankruptcy."
Kellogg Hikes Price of Cereal- "While the increase on cereals such as Special K and Cocoa Krispies was prompted largely by higher commodity prices for wheat and cocoa that are likely to gobble up much of the profit margin, one food analyst said that Kellogg's decision will probably drive its marketing budget as well." (isn't cereal expensive enough as it is? $3.50- $4.00+ seems a lot to me).
Television shows are chum for advertising.- "Deep sea fishermen will throw small fish chunks and guts out the rear of their fishing vessel in an attempt to attract bigger game fish in a process called chumming, Runyeon explained. He said that's exactly what advertisers do with programming: throw chum to general audiences in the form of programming to attract them to actually view the commercials." Interesting article.
Reebok has a hard-hitting campaign on its hands- A look at the success of the "Terry Tate, Office Linebacker" spot.
Telemarketers Sue to Stop Do-Not-Call List - "Telemarketers went to court on Wednesday in an attempt to stop the U.S. government from setting up a proposed "do not call" list that would help consumers block unwanted sales calls. Four telemarketing companies and a trade group filed suit in federal court in Oklahoma City to stop the Federal Trade Commission from setting up a program that would allow consumers to place their names on a list of households that do not want to receive such calls." Oh *please*! This is so dumb. If their suit gets through, it will be a sign of the apocalypse or something.
Cashing in on the weblog
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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The Super Bowl
Everyone knows Super Bowl Sunday is advertising's big day. New concepts and new ideas that "push the envelope" (such an overused phrase that is), usually come together to create good fodder for office gossip on Monday around the water cooler.
Spoofs seemed to be the overriding theme in the Super Bowl XXXVII ads. A spoof of The Strongman Contest, Antiques Roadshow, Gilligan's Island, The Sixth Sense, Castaway, Perry Mason, and an existing Miller Light Ad. There was also a good share of animals causing havoc. So without further ado, here are the ads and my review of them. (View the spots here.) Ads are grouped by their product category, so the comparison between competitors and their ads and the different approaches they took are clear.
Beer and Alcoholic Beverages
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Replay"
Ad Agency: Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Boston
Summary: A zebra referee looks at an instant replay for a ruling during a football game between horses (return to a theme from a couple years ago), while two cowboys look on.
Opinion: A simple spot, shot well, and it doesn't try too hard. It stood out because it was different. Especially compared to the other Anheuser Busch spots.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Strongest Man - Hero"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: In a spoof of the Strongest Man, contestants are about to carry an industrial sized fridge filled with Bud Light to the finish line. A fan runs in and steals the fridge. As he attempts to leave the arena, he gets knocked down by an even more feeble fan. This continues until an old man with a cane ends up with the fridge.
Opinion: Not a bad spot. But not great either. There's something familiar with this general concept.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Parade"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: A clown in a parade who appears to be walking upside down (feet look like hands, head looks like a butt) stops in a bar to have a Bud Light. He is oblivious to the stares around him as he drinks through his "ass". He asks the bartender if he can get a hot dog, to which the bartender responds, "I don't think so."
Opinion: Crass. It is very visual which is prefect for this medium, although, I'm not sure about resorting to the "bathroom type joke".
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Reggae"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A guy walking his small black dog sees a sign in a bar window for Bud Light. He wants to go in but notices a sign that says "No Pets". He pauses for a minute and then puts the dog on his head, a la dreadlocks, and speaks with a Jamaican accent. Last shot is of a woman sitting next to him at the bar reaching up to touch the dreads, and they growl at her.
Opinion: Typical Bud Light spot. Not all that surprising. And in the mix of the others, this one was one of the weaker Bud Light ads to air.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Sounds of the Sea"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A man watches another pick up women on the beach using a conch shell and a suave line. The man decides to try it, but when he puts the shell to his ear, a crab grabs his face. Next shot of him is at a bar on the beach, getting a bottle of Bud Light. The bartender uses the shell to open the bottle.
Opinion: A good spot. Some what predictable but it got a laugh out of me. A good use of "showing, not telling" a story.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Guy's Worst Nightmare"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: A man is on the phone with a friend who warns him to check out his girlfriend's mother because she will look like her in 20 years. When he goes to answer the door he is relieved to see the mother is hot, but when he opens the door he sees her over-exaggerated behind.
Opinion: The fear guys have about their wives/girlfriends turning into their mother is different. At least something we haven't seen in ads. A decent spot.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Arms"
Ad Agency: Fusion Idea Lab, Chicago
Summary: Man and woman are on a dinner date. The man explains why he has decided to get a third arm, so he never has to put his Bud Light down. He also uses it to grab her ass as they are leaving the restaurant.
Opinion: An ad with potential as being funny but, it didn't quite do all it could have. Makes me wonder if the Creative had more there but the client wouldn't let them go for it. It just felt as though something was missing.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Good Listener"
Ad Agency: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco
A couple is at a bar. The woman is talking about a friend and her relationships. The man appears to be listening but is really watching the game on the TV just over the woman's shoulder. He even superimposes the game announcer's voice into hers. At the end of the spot she compliments him on being a good listener. This was a good spot. Especially to the target of men, and even still, you have the women who know that this is what men are doing if there's a game on and you're talking to them.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Yoga"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Two guys sneak into a yoga class (with their Bud Light) to watch women work out. The instructor eventually sees them in the back of the class and throws them out.
Opinion: This "concept" has been done, and done again. Nothing original here at all.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Motor Mouth"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Ad staring Tim McGraw as the designated driver. According to the ad, the benefit of being the designated driver is being able to decide who to drop off first.
Opinion: An okay ad. It down plays the real importance of designated drivers though. The whole point of them is to save lives, not to get rid of an annoying passenger. They missed the mark on this one.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Roommates"
Ad Agency: Fusion Idea Lab, Chicago
Summary: A guy practices asking his girlfriend if he can date her roommate in the bathroom mirror. When he does it for real she says "yes" and he is shocked.
Opinion: Another "typical" beer spot. Nothing new or exciting in the concept here. Another one that feels like you've seen it before, or at least something similar.
Anheuser Busch / Michelob Ultra: "Resolution"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Beautiful people working out and being "fit". Tagline: "Lose the carbs not the taste". Opinion: People working out in a beer ad? Definitely different. And it fits with their tag. Although there is something weird about seeing people exercising in a beer ad.
Coors Brewing Co. / Coors Light: "Love Songs" (new edit)
Ad Agency: Foote, Cone & Belding, Chicago
Summary: The same "Long Songs" ad that has been airing for a while, changed to have it appear as if it's being viewed on a VCR, fast forwarding to the twins and rewinding to see them again and again.
Opinion: Did they not have a budget for a new spot? Or did they put all the money into the media placement? I have to wonder if this was a last minute decision to get in on the Super Bowl, to try to compete with all the Budweiser (and related lines) ads or something. I never did like this spot.
Smirnoff Ice / Triple Black: "Magnet", "Wirecutter"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: Bottle fo Smirnoff Ice is covered in barbed wire. In "Magnet" a magnet frees the bottle, and in "Wirecutter", wire cutters are used to free the bottle.
Opinion: These were okay but, nothing exciting. I think their "Blind Date" ad was much better. Not quite sure why barbed wire either. Flat concepts.
Smirnoff Ice: "Blind Date"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: A woman sits down at a bar and sees a man who she assumes is her blind date, and introduces herself as "Alex". He informers her that he isn't her blind date and as they talk he sees a car drive up with a typical "bad blind date" guy getting out of the car. He walks to the door as the blind date is entering the bar and introduces himself as "Alex" and the blind date guy takes off.
Opinion: A nice spot. Something different in this one in relation to what everyone else is doing.
Cell phones
AT&T Wireless / mlife: "Antiques Bandwagon"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: Parody of PBS "Antiques Roadshow" as a man hands an antique expert a traditional
phone. It is said to be a "useless relic".
Opinion: I liked this ad. It was better than the other ads they have done for mlife. The importance of getting an "mlife" was clear as the days of phones with wires are behind us was clear.
AT&T Wireless / mlife: "Gilligan"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: In a spoof of "Gilligan's Island", mlife asks you to consider what would have happened if Gilligan had a cell phone.
Opinion: An interesting spot. I guess on some levels the spot is kind of stupid because Gilligan wouldn't have been able to have a cell phone. Although it does tie into the importance of an "mlife".
Automobiles
Cadillac: "17th Street"
Ad Agency: D'Arcy, Troy
Summary: A man on a train views the history of Cadillac.
Opinion: There's something about these history of the carmaker ads that makes me want to scream. They are all so "samey". When the majority of automakers have been around for years, after the first one did it, you, as a competitor need to find something different to say. Sure, Cadillac has used this similar approach in the past, but I felt the same way about it then as I do now. They need a new angle for thier branding.
Cadillac / CTS: "Tunnel"
Ad Agency: D'Arcy, Troy
Summary: The CTS speeds along picturesque landscape. It heads into a tunnel and is going so fast that as it exits the tunnel, leaves and highway signs come thundering out behind it.
Opinion: A slight spin on the typical car ad. Although not by much. So it goes fast. Ok. It makes me want to say "so what"?
Chrysler / Crossfire: "Crossfire"
Ad Agency: BBDO / Detroit, Detroit
Summary: Celine Dion drives around in a car while we listen to her sing.
Opinion: This ad smacks of the ad for Jaguar with Sting from a couple years ago. In both the singer is in the car, while their songs play. Only a different car, different music, different singer and one drives while the other is in the back seat. Unorignial. I'm happy to at least be able to be bashing this ad for the concept rather than just because Celion in is it.
Dodge / Ram Heavy Duty: "Beef Jerky"
Ad Agency : BBDO / Detroit, Detroit
Summary: The driver's passenger starts choking on a hunk of beef. To help his fellow man, the driver speeds up and brakes quickly, expelling the beef jerky on to the windshield.
Opinion: Was there no other idea to show the power of the new truck engine? And who would ever think to break quickly to stop someone from choking? Rather unrealistic and just stupid.
Investments
Charles Schwab: "Delivery"
Ad Agency: GSD&M, Austin
Summary: A man sprints through his neigborhood, chased by an unknown foe, which turns out to be his mailman with his brokerage statement.
Opinion: With the way the economy is, I'd think people would want to run from their brokerage statement too. So I'm not sure why they went that way with this spot. Well shot.
Fair,Isaac & Company / myfico.com: "Future"
Ad Agency: Space 150, Minneapolis
Summary:Typical families are happy in their ideal homes, brought to them by myfico.com. Opinion: BORING! They obviously used most of their budget for air time, since they used stock shots. I'm not quite sure why they felt it was worth while to spend the money of the air time during the Super Bowl, instead of during some other "tv event". The ad was so uncreative that it was easily lost in the crowd. Nothing memorable to help it break through the clutter at all.
H&R Block: "Willie"
Ad Agency: Campbell Mithun, Minneapolis
Summary: Willie Nelson is forced to shave his beard in an ad for a razor company because his accountant screwed up his taxes.
Opinion: A fun play on Willie's real tax problems. It shows the importance of getting your taxes done right the first time, which seems to be on strategy.
Job search
HotJobs.com: "Rainbow Connection"
Ad Agency: Brand Architecture, New York
Summary: People in offices sing "The Rainbow Connection"
Opinion: Huh? What were they thinking? I was expecting Kermit to pop up at some point. Acutally that may have made the spot more interesting. This aired after monster.com's spot (not directly after), and in comparison, it was missing lots. Hardly memorable.
Monster.com: "Driver"
Ad Agency: Arnold Worldwide, Boston
Summary: A mack truck drives through a town with no one behind the wheel. And it crashes into a building. Meanwhile it cuts to shots of a truck driver drinking coffee and reading the help wanted pages or something like that.
Opinion: Definitely memorable. Hard to forget this one. But, it's a question of remembering what the ad was about as well. Their "white collar, blue collar, no collar" tagline for the spot works, although I wonder if they couldn't have come up with something shorter. But it works.
Public Service Annoucements (PSAs)
National Football League (NFL) / United Way: "Charles Woodson", "Matt Burke"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: Spots show the football players interacting with students and helping them to learn.
Opinion: Sort of "samey" with football players helping kids in the classroom. See it before. Although the copy in the "Matt Burke" spot was funny when one student asks where rain comes from and he gets all scientific, and the kid stops him and asks "doesn't it come from the sky?" The number of times it was mentioned that Burke went to Harvard was a bit much- it almost made me wonder if Harvard threw in a few bucks to help pay for the spot.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA): "Pregnancy"
Ad Agency: McCann-Erickson, New York
Summary: Pregnancy shows a youngish couple waiting for the results of an at-home pregnancy test. Copy says they are going to be the youngest grandparents ever, as the shot cuts to their teenage daughter. All becuase she smoked pot and impaired her judgement.
Opinion: I like how they used the twist in the spot, but come on, most teens who get pregnant because of poor judgement can point the finger at underage drinking, not pot. I'm honestly tired of these "scare tactics".
Philip Morris / Youth Smoking Prevention: "Field of Dreams"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: Father and son play baseball. At the start of the spot, the kid is a toddler, and as the spot goes on he ages and becomes a teeen. Copy talks about keeping kids healthy and talking to them about smoking.
Opinion: An average spot. The visual is some what intriguing, seeing the kid grow up. But that's pretty much where it ends.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: "Ghost Office", "Ghost Subway"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: Ghost Office shows a woman being confronted by a girl who died because of violence connected to drugs.
Ghost Subway shows a man on a subway train being confronted by dead people who blame him for their deaths because he did drugs.
Opinion: More of those ever popular scare tactics. And very "Sixth Sence".
Sub Shops
Subway: "Dreams"
Ad Agency: Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer EuroRSCG, NY
Summary: Jared dreams of having a Subway shop in his kitchen.
Opinion: Enough with Jared already. Does the fact that he wishes he had a sub shop in his kitchen make me want to go to Subway? No. Not at all. I would have liked to have seem something more original for the Super Bowl from them.
Quizno's Subs: "Focus"
Ad Agency: Cliff Freeman & Partners, NY
Summary: A chef is so fixated on making the best subs using the best ingredients that he forgets to put on pants.
Opinion: An okay spot. Although I wonder about how appealing people find it to get food cooked by a man lacking pants.
Non-alcoholic beverages
Pepsi / Diet Pepsi: "Mud People"
Ad Agency : BBDO, NY
Summary: A kid at a muddy rock concert (a la Woodstock), discovers his father standing next to him, and that his mother is lost in the mosh pit. Tagline: Drink Young.
Opinion: My first question is why did they vary the "think young" tag line? Just seems unneccary. I liked this spot in that it follows with the other "Think Young" spots. And it's a heck of a lot better than their Britney ads of last year. The campaign as a whole is very good (and has great legs) and I would like to see more executions of it.
Pepsi-Cola / Sierra Mist: "Hydrant"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: A man is walking his dog, and incourages it to pee when they reach a fire hydrant. The dog kicks the fire hydrant over and both dog and master and blasted by the water.
Opinion: This ad keeps with their other ad of a dog leading his master to "refreshment". A bit silly but it keeps with their strategy.
Pepsi-Cola / Sierra Mist: "Monkey"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Two smart monkeys build a seesaw to launch themselves into the nearby polar bear pool.
Opinion: Monkeys are always good. Always use monkeys. *smirk* This ad falls flat compared to the other spot. Why do we care that monkeys want refreshment? Obviously it's for the entertainment value. But there are a few links in this ad that just don't make sense. Do you have to be ingenious to figure out how to get refreshed? Sierra Mist is like being a monkey risking it's life getting into a polar bear's pool to cool off? Who knew?
Pepsi Twist: "Osbournes"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Ozzy dreams that his kids are the Osmonds. When he screams for Sharon, he wakes up in bed with Florence Henderson.
Opinion: I liked this spot. I find Ozzy amusing, the way he bumbles through life. And he was very "himself" in the spot. His facial expressions in this were great. I'm not quite sure why the Florence Henderson bit was added...wasn't there enough 70s through-back with the Osmonds? It keeps with the tone and concept of other campaigns that Pepsi has done (Mike Myers spot, Halie Berry, etc).
Gatorade: "23 vs 39"
Ad Agency: Element 79 Partners, Chicago
Summary: Michael Jordan plays some basketball against his younger self.
Opinion: A well done spot, but do people really care about Michael Jordan anymore? If you're going to fork over that kind of "star money", I think it would have been better to go with someone a bit more current. But then they would have needed a totally different concept :)
Check Cards
Visa / Check Card: "The Barbers / Super Bowl"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: The Barbers are reused in this spot, as the cashier makes a comment how one is playing in the Super Bowl and the other is not.
Opinion: At first this seemed to be an old ad, until you listened to the copy. A smart variation using the media placement.
Visa / Check Card: "Yao Ming"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Yao Ming tries to write a check in NYC. The cashier points to a sign that says "No Checks" while saying "Yo". Then Yao points to himself and says "Yao". This continues throughout the spot. Ends with Yogi Berra continuing the joke.
Opinion: A nice spot. Very simple and a nice twist on an old concept.
Discover Card: "Diapers"
Summary: A couple with twins use the Discover Card to get money to use towards a night out on the town for themselves by getting paid on the things they buy anyways, mainly diapers. Lots and lots of diapers.
Opinion: An average spot. It made me wonder what the parent are feeding these kids to go through so many diapers though.
MasterCard/ Debit Card "Dead Presidents"
Summary: Dead Presidents (Lincoln, Washington,etc) are left at home to the convience of debt cards as a man goes out on a date.
Opinion: Using the "Priceless" concept, this spot was so-so. There have been much better versions of this concept. And $10 for two ice cream cones?? Where did they get the ice cream? Tiffanys?
Apparel
Reebok: "Terry Tate Office Linebacker"
Ad Agency: Arnell Group, New York
Summary: Terry Tate tackles office workers who aren't working up to their potential.
Opinion: I really liked this spot. I think it stood out. Who doesn't want certain office comrades to get tackled now and again? Many critics have said that they didn't understand what the connection to the shoe was, or why it was going to make people want to go out and by their shoes. I don't think that was the aim of the spot. As the new official shoe of the NFL, I think Reebok was trying to tie into that fact. Not that their shoes are high performance, stylish, or anything else. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take this.
Hanes / Tagless T-shirt: "Jackie Chan Goes Tagless"
Ad Agency: The Martin Agency, Richmond
Summary: Jackie is shown doing his well-known moves in an attempt to scratch the itch caused by the tag on his t-shirt.
Opinion: Jackie's moves are always entertaining. But Michael Jordan's appearance in this spot is hardly worth mentioning.
Levi's / Type 1 Jeans: "Stampede"
Ad Agency: Bartle Bogle Hegarty, New York
Summary: A couple is walking down an empty street when a stampede of buffalo come at them. Instead of running, they just stand there and ride the rush of the moment.
Opinion: This ad had me wondering if it was for Levi's or the Gap at first. But then cleaver cuts to the Levi logo on the jeans helped to clarify. I'm sorry, but if someone was to do that they'd end up a bloody mess on the pavement. The CGI was well done. For all the money spent on this ad, I think they could have done something more simple that made more sense. I have a question about their tag line too. "Bold since 2003"- so Levi's weren't bold before then? Hmm.
Others with no competitors in their market groups
Trident: "Squirrel"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: A squirrel crawls up the pant leg of the 5th dentist and bites him "you know where". And he screams "no" after all the others say "yes".
Opinion: A variation of the "4 out of 5 doctors recommend" "Fly" ad that aired earlier in the week. I think this one was better. It's about time they jumped on this idea. It's a good conecpt.
Federal Express (FedEx): "Desert Island"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: A Fedex driver with long beard holding fed ex box shows up on doorstep of a house. A woman answers and he says he was shipwrecked for 5 years but had to get the package to her. She thanks him and he asks what's in side...she says "just silly stuff, like a global positioning unit, seeds, etc."
Opinion: This spot was very " Castaway." It would have been nicer to have done this spot closer to the movie when it was more current. Although, who knows. They could have but shelved it. I liked this ad. It was effective in showing how FedEx will get you your package by any means. The quality is up there with some of their other spots, like "We Apologize" from 1998.
McDonald's: "Tough Day"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A father and son are tuckered out after their respective hard days and are "rewarded" with McDonalds.
Opinion: This spot wasn't all that memorable. A different twist, having the kid have a rough day but over all, it is no where near to their spot a couple years back of the baby in the swing.
AOL Broadband: "Neighbors"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: After the Super Bowl game, neighbors in an apartment run into the person's apartment with the "best" internet connection to watch the Super Bowl ads on AOL. Tag: Everything you want, instantly."
Opinion: This was a good way for AOL to market the fact that they had the Super Bowl ads to view. Probably not the most exciting execution of the idea that they could have done, but considering this was a last minute decision to put an ad up during the game, it wasn't too bad.
Sony: "The Trip"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: An older man prepares for his trip into outerspace, making sure to bring his video camera. Copy says "when they ask where they money went, show them".
Opinion: Very nicely shot spot. I like the whole concept but I wonder whether knowing you're parents are blowing you're inheritance on a trip into outspace plays as well as other options. It's still a strong spot that gets the message across.
WB Mason: "Perry Mason"
Summary: A spoof on a Perry Mason court room scene.
Opinion: I didn't even realize the connection of Mason and Mason until I typed the above. Were we supposed to get that while watching the ad? This is another idea that has been done before.
The Movie Ads- As usual, Hollywood got into the game with spots for upcoming movies and movies. They inculded The Hulk, The Matrix: Reloaded, Daredevil, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Charlie's Angels 2, and Bad Boys II. None were anything to write home about. Just your typical movie previews.
Additional- ABC self-promotion: The Practice had ads spoofing the MIller Light "Cat Fight" spot, in order to advertise that the show is moving to a new day and time. Two beefcakes argue over "Better night! New Time!" Then it cuts to the women in the show watching the ad. Mildly amusing. The other variation is two women having the same fight, cutting to the male cast as one says "I love it when women fight over me." There were a ton for Alias (too many), and a few for some new shows as well.
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Tueday's questions
This or That: Same Thing, Different Names
1. Kleenex or tissue? Tissue
2. Soda or pop (or tonic or whatever)? Soda
3. A sandwich on a long roll: sub or hero (or hoagie or grinder, etc)? Sub
4. Glasses or spectacles? Glasses
5. TV or television (or boob-tube, or telly, for our friends across the pond)? TV or Telly
6. Movie or film? Movie
7. Sofa or couch? Couch
8. Stove or range? Stove
9. Remote control or clicker? Remote
10. Supermarket or grocery store? Market.
Tuesday Too
1.) Are you comfortable spending time alone? Do you actually look forward to that time? Why, or why not? I'm very comfortable being alone. I guess part of it has to do with being an only child. I'm used to entertaining myself. And yes, I do look forward to it. Especially when my schedule gets crazy and I don't have much time for it.
2.)What's the next best thing to your best thing? Humor.
3.) What do wish you you'd done last week/last month that you didn't do? If you're someone who accomplishes everything you set out to do, please let us in on the secret. I can't think of anything. I didn't have much on my list of things to get done really.
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Check back for my review on the Super Bowl ads. Hopefully to be posted Tuesday.
Monday, January 27, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.04
1. Do you care for poetry? Yes. Do you have a favorite poem? Yes. Care to share some of it? I would but as I don't know it by heart and I'm not in the mood to find it, no. :-)
2. What does it take to "rock your world?" Hmmm depends what you mean by that ;-)
3. Have you ever done anything that landed you in financial trouble? Has somebody else's action ever caused you financial ruin? What happened? I haven't although being laid off did no good for my bank account/wallet/etc.
4. Take a stroll down memory lane. There is a song, that every time you hear it, you think of this one person. What's the song, who is the person, and what memories does it conjure up? Que Cera Cera...I bet I spelt that wrong. Reminds me of my grandma...she used to sing it to me and when I'm in a tough place sometimes "whatever will be will be" really makes sense.
5. I've never cared for football, it was never on in the house growing up and I never developed a "taste" for it. But I've always felt like I "should" enjoy it, that I was deficient in some way because I never get excited about things like the Super Bowl (except for the commercials). Are there any occasions when you feel like you are missing out on something that everyone else seems to enjoy? None that I can think of. Well, maybe seafood and fish. I hate it, but everyone else seems to like it.
6. A few of the phrases that get under my skin are "take it to the next level" (which was used when I was told why I was being replaced at Fox by someone who could do that) and "you just don't get it" (always popular in relationship fights). What phrases "push your buttons" and why? Right now, "how's the job search going?" and "so what have you been up to?" tick me off. I've avoided certain social gatherings where I know that will come up because I hate it.
7. Do you believe in life after death? What do you believe happens when our time is up? I'm not sure. In some ways I really like the whole idea of reincarnation. But I don't know. The scientist in me thinks that we just get recycled in the ground. Even that has a cosmic vibe to it though. The fact that matter cannot be destroyed and what we are just becomes something else.
BONUS: Everybody's talking all this stuff about me why don't they just let me live? Because that would be waaaay too easy ;-)
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SuperBowl mania
If you want to view the ads, check out ad-rag.com- they have ads from this years as well as previous years. Tres cool.
Nestscape has a poll of what your favorite Super Bowl ad was...topping the list is Budweiser's Zebra Ref, followed by Terry Tate Office Linebacker by Reebok and Bud Lite Upside Down Clown.
Advertisers stick with humor- " This year's 30-second slots sold for between $2.1 million and $2.2 million, about 10 percent more than last year. For the second consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch was the game's largest advertiser, with 11 spots." Read more articles here, here, here, here, here (includes which quarters ads aired), here, here, here.
Other ad news
This headline made me laugh "Schwarzenegger's Hummer Helps GM" Hehehe...I'm so immature!
Because of the value placed on plastic grocery bags by consumers, large-scale gifts of plastic bags are a successful part of the U.S. Meat Export Federation's ongoing strategy to increase the use of U.S. pork by Russian processors and retailers and to support their loyalty to U.S. pork. Plastic bags in U.S. grocery stores are given away free to people buying groceries; not so in Russia. Russian consumers, like many Europeans, are charged for each bag. Because of this, the plastic shopping bag is recycled in the most obvious way: it's reused to carry lunches, books, papers, office supplies and school notebooks and rarely trashed until it is full of holes or in shreds. The Russian use and reuse of plastic bags make them a very potent form of advertising since the recipients of plastic bags bearing the U.S. pork logo carry them to every conceivable place consumers venture or congregate, according to USMEF. This would be reason enough for the federation to provide supermarkets with plastic bags, but there is another."
Sunday, January 26, 2003
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Daily Dose- Topic: When was the last time I...
1) Hugged someone? Last night
2) Talked to a friend on the phone? Today
3) Gave money to charity? [this could be an organized charity or someone on the streets]- Last month
4) Washed my [or family member's] vehicle? September
5) Smiled for a photo? the holidays
6) Told someone you loved them? Last night
7) Cried? Last week
8) Went to the movie theatre? I don't know
9) Went swimming? August
10) Went on a date? [if married... last time just you and your SO went out, alone] Last week
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Pre-Super Bowl Ad Buzz
Marketing Monster- advertising on the Super Bowl for the 5th year in a row.
Reebok gets into the Super Bowl
Top Super Bowl ads of the last 10 years- Top ten Super Bowl ads of the last decade as determined by Bruzzone Research, an Alameda, Calif., firm that ranks the ads according to the percentage of viewers who recognized the spot and also knew what it was for.
Foxtrot goes Super Bowl Sunday and related I found Bill Amend's site- creator of Foxtrot
Monday see ad-rag.com for more Super Bowl ad related news, viedos and more.
Friday, January 24, 2003
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Friday Five
1. What is one thing you don't like about your body? Stomach.
2. What are two things you love about your body? Eyes, hair.
3. What are three things you want to change about your home? More storage, new carpets, less leaky windows.
4. What are four books you want to read this year? Too many, and I can't ever remember them.
5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself? That's between me and me. ;)
Daily Dose-The Friday Face Off
1) Better pizza topping: Beef or Veggies? Veggies
2) Better chocolate bar: Snickers or Baby Ruth? Snickers
3) Better battery: Energizer or Duracell? Duracell
4) Better vacation spot, gimme: Water or Snow? Water
5) Better sneakers: Reebok or Nike? Reebok, although i like adidas best :)
6) Better way to travel: Land or Sky? Sky
7) Better watch: Wind-up or Digital? Digital
8) Better magazine: Spin or URB? Spin
9) Better wine: White or Red? White
10) Better undies: Briefs/Boxers or Thong/French Cut? Boxers or French Cut
Thursday, January 23, 2003
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Spacey stuff for a cold Thursday
Team Encounter is launching messages into space- Reminds me of something I did back in school. We grew tomato seeds that had been in space to see what the effects of them being in space was. Sadly I don't remember my results. I wonder if I have that somewhere at home.
Space news at space.com- Lots of interesting things there and I don't feel up to linking each one...yes I'm being lazy. But find out about A newfound planet opens the door to more discoveries around giant stars, and shows the sort of fate that might one day befall Earth, Geology of Europa: Evidence for Water?,
Mystery Matter Helped Build First Galaxies, Study Suggests, and much more :)
Earth Likely Spared From One Form Of Cosmic Doom- Good to know.
Distant world in peril
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Ad gab
Ivory soap is bringing back the baby- After thirty years, the folks at Ivory soap are bringing back the baby that was the mainstay of their advertising campaigns in the past. But, of course, Ivory needs a new baby and they're searching the country for their new poster child. An Ivory ad featuring a baby last appeared 30 years ago.
Dave Thomas is going to be inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame- He will be inducted along with four others in this year's class of inductees- Hall Adams Jr., retired chairman and chief executive of Leo Burnett Co. Inc.; Phil Dusenberry, former chairman of BBDO North America; John H. Johnson, publisher and chairman of Johnson Publishing Co. Inc.; and David Sarnoff, deceased president and chairman of RCA.
Pizza Hut set to introduce their new Gold Stuffed Pizza
More anti-drug ads to appear during super bowl According to the press release "The new ads have been extensively tested with target audiences". Which means what? The fact that they got a bunch of people to view the ads seems like a weird point to emphasize. Maybe after the ads that connected drugs to terrorism they feel they need to show they can prove "My Future Self n' Me". After a little bit of research I found there have been studies done to see if these scare tactics are working. One article shows researchers are questioning the value of these scare tactics.
"Margaret Brown, chair of CTAs School Management Committee and a member of the Sacramento City Teachers Association, agrees with the conclusions of the controversial study. "My observation is that students want information that is realistic to the world they live in," says Brown, who teaches in a continuation high school. "Drugs are a part of the world they live in, in many cases. They don't want scare tactics. They want information about how drugs affect the body. The kids say, "Give me a real message, and don't talk to me like I'm awful if I've tried it." "
You can view the ads here after Sunday and their older ads now.
Commericals steal show at the movies-"Cinema advertising becomes a viable option when "you've got a brand that's connected to the fabric of the culture and if you've got great creative that fits the environment," said Steve Moynihan, managing director at ArnoldMPG, a media-planning agency in Boston. "It's not the best place to sell diapers or green beans." "
More about the "cat fight" ad- One point of view.
Commericals on the web? And you thought pop-ups were annoying.
Funny
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The pill changes women's taste in men- Definitely worth a look if you're on the pill. Or even if you're not. Science...amazing stuff. ;-)
The Recording Industry Association of America wants to go after the companies that provide you with your Internet access. - This whole thing is getting out of control. I honestly cannot believe that an ISP can be held responsible for another persons actions. It's absolutely insane! The fact that Verizon is supposed to turn over the name of a subscriber who downloaded songs is stupid. Hello Big Brother.
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Questions for today
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. If there were to be a televised, public execution broadcast in prime time, would you watch it? No.
2. If you could mold to your liking your memories of any past experiences, would you do so? I don't think so. The thing with memories, good or bad, is that the variety helps to keep things interesting.
3. The excitement of the Holiday Season is long over. What "big day" are you looking forward to next? None. At least none that I can think of. Valentines day is coming up but that's not that big of a thing to me.
Thurs Threesome
Onesome: Still- Can't hold still? What type of music gets you going? I mean to where your just have to crank it up and start moving to the beat! Techno, trancey-type, hip hop, general "club" music, and bands like Live, Jane's Addiction, Chili Peppers, and sometimes upbeat 80s music too.
Twosome: Life- Life in the fast lane? What would it take to slow you down a bit and let you relax this weekend? Hmmm? ...or are you going to turn That Game on? (...and who's going to win?) Well as I don't have any plans yet for this weekend, except vacuuming the place, I guess it won't take much. I'm not sure if I'm going to watch the game and if I do, it will be for the commercials and not the game itself. I could care less about football. At least it means that now Futurama won't keep getting skipped because of games running long or whatever.
Threesome: In watercolor- Hey! How about wall art? What do you like to have hanging around the place for decoration? Kid pics? Knick-knacks? ...the Monet or two? In the study we have some posters. In the livingroom and bedroom there are some paintings that I did. And a dart board. It's more of a decoration only because it hardly ever gets used anymore.
3 for Thursday (#18):
1. What are 3 things that are wondrous to you - never cease to amaze you? Human creativity. My sweetie. The universe.
2. What are 3 very positive and great things in your life? My sweetie. My family. My friends.
3. What are 3 things that you treasure that you would give up/sacrifice for someone you love? This is a hard one. I'm not sure. I guess it would depend what kind of things I'd have to give up.
4. What are 3 wacky sayings/phrases that just crack you up every time you hear them? There are plenty but now that I'm put on the spot I can't think of any! Argh!
Bonus: If there is one thing you can do for someone that would make life easier and happier, what would it be and why? Hmm. I don't know.
Daily Dose
1) What is your stance on abortion? I believe in the right to choose. No government should have the right to say what a woman can or cannot do with her body.
2) Do you know someone who has had an abortion? Did they regret the decision? If I do, I don't know that they did.
3) On another topic, do you support/oppose assisted suicides for terminally ill patients? I think if someone is terminally ill...it's their choice how they spend the last bit of life they have. I think that if they are suffering it's probably worse than remaining alive. I can see why they would want to do it. I'm not really a supporter of it or opposed to it though. I think this is something that probably has been going on for centuries in a very quiet manner and no one ever thought about it until the media got on to it.
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Jane be Jane
You're better that way
Not when you're trying
Imitating something you think you saw
Jane be Jane
And if sometimes that might
Drive them away
Let them stay there
You don't need them anyway
You're worried there might not be
Anything at all inside
But that you're worried
Should tell you that's not right
Don't try to see yourself
The way that others do
It's no use
You're worried there might not be
Anything at all inside
But that you're worried
Should tell you that's not right
You've had it harder than anyone could know
So hard to let it go
But it's your life
And you can decorate it
As you like
Beneath the paint and armour
In your eyes the truth still shines
Jane be Jane
Jane be Jane
Ben Folds Five "Jane" (found here- interesting stuff on Jane-ism, a la Jane Austen)
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
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Ozzy with a twist- Pepsi will air a new ad for the SuperBowl for it's Pepsi Twist. The advert stars the Black Sabbath frontman and his children, Jack and Kelly, along with a host of celebrities. It shows the two Osbourne children "unwrapping" their faces to reveal they are in fact Donny and Marie Osmond. As they begin to sing, the advert cuts to a horrified Ozzy Osbourne awaking from his nightmare and crying out for his wife, Sharon, reports Media Guardian. The final scene reveals that the woman lying in bed next to him is not his wife but Florence Henderson, the actress who played Carol Brady in 1970s sitcom the Brady Bunch.Pepsi is to premiere its latest advertising campaign with Ozzy Osbourne during this weekend's Super Bowl in the US.
Outdoor advertising could go big time- A look at the future of outdoor advertising and also targeted tv stations.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
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What the hey?
I've been noticing a huge leap in views for this place. Sunday and yesterday I had 90+ each day for page views and yesterday there were 97 unique visitors. Who are you people? *lol* I guess I just think it's kind of odd that there's a sudden surge. I'm not sure what's causing it, especially since I haven't updated this place since Friday. So, Hello!
A day late but here's the memes from Monday:
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.03
1. Friday I wrote about "People I Can Do Without." How about adding to the list with a few people you can live without? I'm sure there's a bunch I could think of but right now the one that comes to mind are the jerk drivers on the road who seem to think that their lives are more important than yours, the people who walk and/or run in the road instead of the sidewalk where there's a little bit of snow on it, and people who promise to do things but never do.
2. Have you ever felt like someone truly respected you? What does being respected mean to you personally? Well I guess so. Being respected means that they respect my decisions or thinking rather than just disagreeing or writing it off as stupid or something.
3. In (past or current) relationships, what is the "one thing" your partner would change about you if they could? Hmmm. I don't know. I'm sure there has to be something but I don't know what it would be. I'm sure I've been told but I don't remember...blocking out those fights I guess ;)
4. Have you ever tried to change who you are to please someone? How did that turn out? Yes and it was no good. I realized that shortly afterwards and learned never to do that again. If they don't like me they can sod off.
5. Do you believe in love at first sight? Can it really happen? Yes.
6. Today is "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in the United States. King's non-violent protests against unequal treatment of African-American people led to radical change in America, and ultimately, his assassination in 1968. How have Rev. King's accomplishments impacted or influenced your life? I'm not sure how they did affect me personally but I agree with his way of thinking. Happy Bday MLK!
7. In America, our President declared yesterday to be "National Sanctity of Life Day." While it enacts no change in policy or program, it does allow our country's leader to make a declarative statement about abortion. How do you feel when you hear about a government taking a position such as this? It's bad. I believe everyone has the right to choose what to do with their bodies. I don't think the government should regulate that kind of thing that is a personal decision. Not only that but why the hell did he do it on MLK day? That just seems rather disrespectful to have done it on that day rather than some other one.
BONUS: What will I do if you say we're through? Egg your car ;-)
Participation Positives
~ Got a job doing what I do best for a day but hey, it's a start!
~ Got a free haircut (thanks mum!) and it looks great
~ The shower drain finally got fixed!
~ My cat is the sweetest thing in the world and I got to visit with her this weekend
~ Interview on Friday
~ Big fuzzy sweaters (especially in this cold weather!)
~ Slippers
~ My comforter...it is super snuggly
Monday Memories
When you were a kid, did you ever let someone else take the blame for something bad you did? Or were you always the one who got in trouble for someone else's wrongdoing?
No and no. I usually got in trouble for doing things myself. Although I remember one time I got in trouble and I couldn't convience my mum it wasn't my fault. We had only had a VCR for a little bit and it was the first time the power had gone out since we had it. The clock was flashing it's now familiar 12:00 and my mum thought I had been playing around with it and messed it up. We both look back on that now and laugh but I remember being very upset that she didn't believe me at the time.
And now for Tuesday memes:
This or That Tuesday
1. Super Bowl or World Series? Neither...but if I had to pick I'd go with the World Series I guess.
2. Winter or summer? I prefer spring or autumn, but I guess I'll go with winter, because summer here is nasty hot and blah. And winter isn't usually as bad as it has been this year.
3. Look up numbers in the phone book, or call directory assistance? Phone book, because there's no charge...if I can't find it there I'll resort to calling.
4. Mashed potatoes or French fries? depends on my mood. I do like them both.
5. Hand-code your website, or use an editor (such as Front Page)? Editor! I don't think I could hand-code it...it would make me crazy and my attention span probably wouldn't last long enough *lol*
6. Freeway or winding country road? Winding country road.
7. Star Wars or Star Trek? Um...star wars I guess...but the old ones, not the new ones.
8. Disney or Warner Brothers cartoons? Warner Brothers!!!! They kick ass.
9. When it feels chilly in the house: crank up the heat or put on a sweater? I'll try the sweater first. Sometimes that's no enough so I'll put the heat up too...and besides, I don't pay for heat so... ;)
10. CBS or PBS? PBS.
Tuesday Too
1.)Where in the world does your lap go, when you stand up? It falls onto the floor. Please don't step on it. Thank you.
2.) "Life's is mysterious, don't take it serious." Are you easily riled by things you could have laughed off? Why does,or doesn't that happen to you? Not so much. I think sometimes it happens when I'm already feeling stressed about other things, and it just makes me feel overwhelmed. But for the most part I just laugh it off, or shrug it off.
3.) On the other hand, some things are serious. What argument/situation can't you walk away from? Things that are wrong in my opinion. Things that are damaging to people in the long or short run even I guess.
Friday, January 17, 2003
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Ad stuff
B3TA Advertising Challenge Some dead funny stuff. Spoofing ads...anyone can do it. :) (found via ad-rag.com)
GE launching new slogan- "General Electric is jettisoning its "We bring good things to life'' slogan after nearly a quarter-century for a new campaign that emphasizes the innovative spirit that Thomas Edison started at GE more than a century ago. The new $100 million advertising campaign, ``Imagination at work,'' is meant to tout the Fairfield, Conn.-based conglomerate's reputation for innovation at all its businesses, from the NBC television network to its appliances, medical equipment and financial services. The ads, set to debut Sunday, have a humorous touch. In one, the Wright Brothers' rickety plane, strapped with a GE aircraft engine, roars and morphs into a jet. Edison is the lead character in another spot: The stern-faced inventor's head cracks open, a la Monty Python, with visions of aircraft engines, refrigerators and other GE products spilling out. Chairman and Chief Executive Jeffrey R. Immelt said shortly after he was appointed in September 2001 that he wanted to rethink the company's image. The "Imagination at work'' TV ads are scheduled to air during the Golden Globe Awards." It will be interesting to see if this is as effective as the old tagline was.
Buzzword for advertising in 2003- Value"- "In spite of the intellectual argument that a consistent advertising presence through both good times and tough times has a positive long-term result, advertisers tend to listen to their gut when times are tough, and they pull back on their advertising. As a reflection of that trend, more than 20,000 jobs have been lost in the advertising industry over the past 18 months, primarily due to an aggregate slowdown in advertising dollars. While spending has been cut, the expectations of what advertising can and must do for brands and businesses is increasing. Almost everyone who is responsible for an advertising budget is faced with a similar situation – higher sales goals, reduced advertising resources. In this environment, the primary driver of advertising decisions is based on value: Am I buying something that is going to work, and am I buying it at a good price? So for 2003, more than ever, the advertising battleground between buyers and sellers is going to be fought over value."
Ad agency snubs convention in new Saturn spots. " "The challenge for Goodby is to build on what Riney started for the brand while making it relevant to the brand and effective for the new model," said Jerry Gibbons, West Coast director of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. The Ion campaign is estimated to represent $30 million to $50 million in ad spending. It is aimed at people who are in transition, moving on with their lives, said agency co-founder Jeff Goodby. By contrast, he complained, much of the other auto advertising for the same audience shows one-dimensional relationships between cars and owners - "badges of cool." He said these ads depict people who have fallen into "the tragically hip 28-year-old" trap."
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Weekly Wrap-Up
1. Does everyone have a right to privacy? Why or why not? Who doesn't deserve a right to privacy, if anyone? Why? Everyone deserves privacy. I think those who do not are those who are *known* to be involved in criminal acts and those who have in the past- ie- those in prision.
2. When is an invasion of privacy justifiable? When is it not? When there is a justifiable question of wrong doing going on, invasion of privacy makes sense. If there's not a significant reason to be poking around where one doesn't belong, then it's not justifiable.
3. Do employers have the right to monitor employee Internet usage (recording keystrokes, surveying email, etc.)? Why or why not? There's a point at which it isn't unreasonable for employers to monitor Internet useage but it comes after a drop in productivity or seeing employees visit inappropriate web sites (for the office at least). Other wise I don't see the need for it. Surveying email and such can be bad too since there's so much spam in peoples inboxes, that time you accidently may have hit on a link you shouldn't have, could cause trouble. Employers need to acknowledge this. At my old job we had to access some info from the fbi website for research. Every once in a while someone would forget that it's not ".com" but ".gov" and they'd hit the porn site instead. This was usually followed by a curse of some kind.
4. Are surveillance cameras in banks, ATMs, parking lots, shopping centers, stadiums, etc. an unreasonable violation of personal privacy? Why or why not? When (and where) does the placement of a surveillance camera intrude on privacy? I don't think surveillance cameras at ATMs, banks and the like are unreasonable. They have helped to solve many crimes that often take place in those areas.
5. Does the government have a right to monitor everything we do in the name of national security? Why or why not? Under what circumstances might you support something like TIA? To monitor everything, no. Unless someone is under suspicion for reasonable reasons, there's no need for big brother to come into play.
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Daily Dose- Friday Face Off
1) Better condiment: ketchup (catsup) or mustard? Ketchup.
2) Better "hands-on" food: hamburger or hot dog? (Vegans use veggie burgers/dogs) burger.
3) Better taco: hard or soft shell? Soft shell.
4) Better cola: Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi.
5) Better Latin hottie: Shakira or Jennifer Lopez? J-Lo.
6) Better Urban hottie: Beyonce Knowles or Ashanti? I'll go wiht Beyonce Knowles cos I know who she is.
7) Better Country hottie: Faith Hill or Shania Twain? Faith Hill.
8) Better movie hottie: Halle Berry or Nicole Kidman? Nicole Kidman.
9) Better year: 2001 or 2002? 2001.
10) Better decade: 1980's or 1990's? 1980s.
Thursday, January 16, 2003
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Will the Internet become a significant advertising medium?- Two take a look at what the possibilites of advertising online could be.
Advertising you don't see until it's too late- "The advertising industry is warming to the challenge of selling products to a new generation of savvy consumers who are less drawn to conventional advertising. The more invisible the strategy, the better. The idea is to trick consumers into believing they are discovering a promotion, rather than responding to an ad. Advertising and marketing agencies are producing TV shows, making films, publishing books, writing pop songs and organising events. Mitsubishi, Sanity Music, Lion Nathan and Unilever are part of the push into TV production."
US State department ends Muslim ad campaign"- Apparently the ads were uneffective! Gee...that's a surprise. ;-) Honestly, the fact that the goverment thought that showing these ads would change perceptions or change how people think is just ludicrous.
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Something spacey
Supernova Hunting- "Understanding these incendiary objects is important in part because they are responsible for creating most of the elements in the universe, including the stuff of which people, plants and planets are made. Separate supernova findings -- some just made and others imminent -- are contributing to closure of a different case involving how fast the universe expands. And over the weekend, a new NASA satellite called CHIPS was launched to observe the so-called Local Bubble, a puzzling region of space that might have been carved out long ago by an exploded star."
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Thurs Thumb Twiddler
1. Hanging out with your boss and co-workers, you're made very uncomfortable by some of the sexist humor being bandied about. What do you do? Honestly I'm not sure. I guess if it was just minor kinds of stuff I'd just walk away. If it was really offending me I'd tell them to stop or find someone to tell about it.
2. You are sure a neighbor child is being regularly abused by her parents, such that you worry for her health and life. The police and Child Protective Services are unable or unwilling to intervene. What would you do? Write an article for the local paper about abused children and put the truth out there. Beyond that I'd keep and eye on her and do what I could to help.
3. What modern invention would you most miss if it were removed from your life? My computer.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Health- Do any of your hopes for the New Year concern health issues? Well, I don't do resolutions, mostly because I never end up keeping up with them. I am working on eating better and that kind of thing.
Twosome: Wealth- What if you didn't have the ten million we were talking about last week on the Porch. What if you had an extra $100 dollars? Where would it go? Uh-uh! No necessities! You can only spend it frivolously! I'd probably go buy either some books or go get my hair done. Or shoes. Hmm tough choice!
Threesome: And Happiness- What would make you happy today? ...and not world peace, just something easy for you. Being called about a job. Or not finding my checking account as empty as I think it will be when I go to the bank.
3 for Thursday (#17):
1. What's the three worst times you've been sick (if you can remember). This would also include any hospitalization time you've had to endure. Last year I had a wicked throat thing. They said it wasn't mono but it was something like it. Couldn't eat or drink for days and it sucked. Years ago when I had a seizure...they did a spinal tap. I couldnt stand up for nearly a week because of the pressure change. It's not really being sick sick but it kept me off my feet for a while. And I guess the third would be a really nasty flu I had a while back. Really high fever and lots of nastiness.
2. What three things help to make you feel better when you're sick. My cat, sleep, and paddington bear. :)
3. What are 3 things/activities you would call in sick for when you're not really sick? My sanity, family visiting in town, or hmm, can't think of a 3rd at the moment haha.
4. If you've ever faked sick to get out of something, what are 3 illnesses you claim? Usually it's either a cold or sinus problems.
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Miller Lite "Cat fight" ad gets some people upset. "Every time I see it, I cringe," says Laura Ries, an image guru. "It's explicit. It's degrading. It has no real message, except all men are idiots and all they think about are girls mud wrestling." "Miller executives say the spot is a hit with its target audience: 21-to-31-year-old beer drinkers. "They see it for what it is: a hysterical insight into guys' mentality," says Tom Bick, Miller Lite brand manager. "It's really a lighthearted spoof of guys' fantasies." " I actually thing it's a very good commerical. It ties together the old campaign of "tastes great. less filling." to their new ad campaign. And since it is what some guy is saying would be a great commerical...that's what guys are like. They say and think things like that. People need to calm down.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
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Surf the friendly skies- On 15 January Lufthansa will start offering travellers the ability to surf the net and send and receive e-mails in real time as they fly. The in-flight net service will use satellite links to connect passengers to the terrestrial internet and help businesses contact executives while they are flying across the Atlantic. For the duration of the three month trial the net service will be offered free to Lufthansa customers. The first commercial service giving passengers in-flight net access will operate between Frankfurt and Dulles airport in Washington DC. (via bbc.co.uk)
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Daily Dose-The 10 on Tuesday: Top 10 Relationship Essentials. (a day late)
1. Honesty
2. Humor
3. Able to have interesting conversations
4. Good chemistry *ahem* ;)
5. Brains
6. Open-minded
7. Flexible to situations
8. Respect
9. Communication
10. Supportive
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
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This or Dat Tuesday: Around the House
1. Window shades or blinds? I like shades, but blinds are hand in a few places where the light gets through.
2. Wall or desk calendar? Wall calendar
3. Paint or wallpaper? Paint.
4. Electric or gas stove? We've got an electric but I prefer gas ones because there's more control.
5. Carpeting or bare floors? Carpeting.
6. One TV, or more than one? More than one.
7. Leather or fabric sofa? Fabric.
8. Eat meals in kitchen or dining room? We tend to eat in the living room.
9. Fabric or vinyl shower curtain? Vinyl
10. Your kitchen: well-equipped or bare bones? Well-equipped for the most part
[ ]
Agenices start preparing for State Ad-Tax threat. No U.S. state is yet considering legislation taxing ad time and space, but the industry has cause to fear that this perennial threat might have some teeth in 2003. "There is general agreement in the business community that the tax issue at the state level is more dangerous now than at any time in recent history," said Dan Jaffe, evp of government relations at the Association of National Advertisers. (via adweek.com)
Ad exec skewers SUV-terrorism campagin. "Marcie Brogan, managing partner of Brogan & Partners, sent e-mails to 800 people in her database opposing the Detroit Project's TV spots that link SUVs to terrorists. The Detroit Project, a coalition headed by syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington, broke a spot Sunday in four local markets, mostly during the broadcast of Meet the Press, that portrays SUVs as gas guzzlers that aid terrorists." (via adage.com)
4A's Chief has an opinion on Ries and Zyman Books. "Two recent books -- Sergio Zyman's The End of Advertising as We Know It and The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR by Al and Laura Ries -- take several heavy-handed shots at the role and value of advertising agencies in today's marketplace. They suggest that, for most practical purposes, the kind of traditional advertising that most agencies produce is dead on its feet, a dinosaur without real impact or relevance to marketers or consumers. But upon close reading it's evident that the books' titles are considerably more inflammatory and negative about advertising and advertising agencies than the contents themselves. Putting all drama and personal business agendas aside, the fact is we're not about to witness the "end" or "fall" of anything." These books have created a minor stir in the ad world. I say minor because most advertising people see them as being biased and sensational. But as Mr. Drake points out...it has fostered some discussion and debate which is always good. (via adage.com)
New study shows 47% of doctors feel pressured by DTC Drug Advertising. Drug advertising is always a hot topic. "Ninety-two percent of the doctors said they had been asked for specific advertised drugs by patients." (via adage.com)
Monday, January 13, 2003
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Participation Positives: Been ages since I've done this and I feel the need to today
~ Two possible job things in progress
~ Hand I burned yesterday is feeling better already
~ I have a big ass cup of joe next to me
~ My cat is showing signs of improvement yay
~ C took yesterday off and we had a great day together
~ Getting a kiss in the morning while still half asleep
~ Didn't go over my minutes last month on my cell phone when I was expecting I had
Monday Memories
How old were you when you were first romantically or sexually attracted to someone? Did you do anything about it? Did you tell anyone? Did you write a long mushy entry in your diary or scribble their name everywhere? Would you still be attracted to them now?
I think it has to have been Ricky Schroder...back when he was on Silver Spoons. I think I was maybe 7 years old or something. I remember having a dream where he appeared in my house and kissed me. I thought that was the best. Now though....he doesn't do anything for me.
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.2
1. Have you ever bought something you were so excited about and found out later that it didn't work? Were you able to return it? How did it go? Yes. I was able to return it. When I was younger I bought a dress I loved, and was made to return it by my mum.
2. I have a Palm (Pilot) for my date book and such, but have been thinking of jumping to the PocketPC world at some point. Do you have a PDA (personal digital assistant)? What kind, and how did you decide? What do you like about it? If you don't own one, do you want one or do you do better without such gadgets? I don't have one. I wouldn't mind one but I don't really need something like that right now. I'm fine with my little paper version of a calendar for now.
3. What illness do you wind up catching more than any other? Colds...at least lately. I used to get bronchitis a lot but no in a long time *knock on wood*
4. Do you like going to see the Doctor (any type)? I don't mind.
5. How about the Dentist? Do you like going? Do you go in every 6 months for a check-up? hahah...I think PromoGuy's been talking to my mum. She's been bugging me for ages to go to the dentist. I hate the dentist. I need to get a new one because the one I've got annoys me. I don't mind cleanings, but they tend to "find" things and then the appointments to fix stuff is what I hate.
6. Are you a "Dog Person" or a "Cat Person?" Do you think a person's choice tells you something about their personality? I don't know that I'm one or the other. I like them both. But I guess as I have a cat now I'm a cat person.
7. I've mentioned before how me and a buddy of mine have just let our friendship lapse. There was no disagreement, but we've hit that point where we have nothing in common anymore. My life has progressed and he is still living in 1992. Have you ever had a friendship that just seems to have run its course? Where there is just nothing there anymore? What finally happened? It seems like that happens a lot to me. Most of the time the relationships just peter out. I have one friend who seems to never want to get together anymore. Whenever I say we should, I get a "yeah, we should. I'll call you sometime." Ha. It's sad...we've been friends since 6th grade and now we just send each other holiday cards.
BONUS: Do you want to see me beggin' baby? Yes. Can't you give me just one more day? No ;)
Friday, January 10, 2003
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Ever wonder how to make music with your phone? Now you don't have to wonder any more. The site contains directions on which buttons to hit to play some of the classic songs.
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Weekly Wrap-Up #37 - Reality TV
1. Do you watch reality television? Why or why not? No. It's stupid.
2. What reality television show is your favorite? Why? I guess the Osbournes because Ozzy is funny.
3. What reality television show do you dislike or despise? Why? Pretty much all of them.
4. If you could appear on any reality television show, which one would it be? Why? I'd rather not. I think I'd rather listen to nails on a chalkboard than be on one of those.
5. Describe your ideal reality television show. Since I'm not a fan of the whole concept for the most part I don't have an ideal reality show.
Friday Five
1. Where are you right now? In the study.
2. What time is it? 12.43pm
3. What are you wearing? pjs and a sweatshirt.
4. Any people or animals around you? Describe them. Well there's a dead ladybug on the window sill. That's about it :)
5. What are your plans for the weekend? Not sure yet.
[ ]
Norwegian council kills busty ad "OBOS, Norway's largest cooperative building and housing agent, has been ordered to cease using an advertisement - featuring a busty woman over a double entendre riddled text - after the Market Council deemed it offensive to women. This advertising image was not offensive by itself, only when coupled with talk of balconies and access." (via Clay)
Thursday, January 09, 2003
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Preparing Asia for the World Cup, English-style (quicktime or media player) more viral stuff from the same people
How to fry an egg using your computer
Online Foreign Groceries Museum
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Pop Matters- an interesting site I came across. Reviews and opinions on music, books, tv, films and more.
Ad news stuff
New campagin for Coke- For years there's been the battle between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Last year we got bombarded by Britney Spears (and soon Beyonce Knowles) hawking Pepsi. Now get ready for Coke to fight back and try to take back the youth market. Starting during the "American Music Awards" on ABC, Coke will break the first of more than a dozen new spots. The concept behind these new spots is Coke (not the sniffing kind) celebrities in their "real" life. The new spots star Penelope Cruz and Courteney Cox Arquette (and hubby David) and singer Mya. "All of the commercials close with variations of the new tagline, “Coca-Cola...Real,” a reference to the soft drink’s classic slogan, “The Real thing.” Other commercials focus on regular people caught in “bonding” moments. In “Science,” two young men sharing useless trivia meet two cute girls near a Coke machine. The ads were carefully tested with consumers who want brands to be “genuine, authentic and real,” Chris Lowe, chief marketing officer of Coca-Cola North America said in a statement."
Bringing back an old idea in the age of TiVO- "Envisioning the possible demise of the traditional 30-second television commercial, a number of advertisers have banded together to buy six prime-time hours on an American broadcast network this summer to present a variety show that will contain no commercials at all. The advertisers, which so far include Pepsi-Cola and Nokia phones, aim to create what the program's producer, Michael Davies, called "a contemporary, hip Ed Sullivan show" for the youth-oriented WB Network. The program will try to highlight the companies' products in creative ways, like building them into a singer's performance or a comedian's routines."
First there were ads linking doing drugs to supporting Terrorists. Now there are ads linking driving and SUV to supporting Terrorists. "The two ads are already generating controversy even before they begin airing. A group opposed to U.S. reliance on foreign oil are behind the 30-second ads, which their creator said are intended to be humorous parodies. One commercial features a child's voiceover connecting the dots between a man filling his gas tank and terrorist training footage. The closing statement: "Oil money supports some terrible things. What kind of mileage does your SUV get?" The other ad features talking heads commenting about their SUVs. One person says, "My kids think it's cool." Another says, "I helped blow up a nightclub." Click here to view the commercials via the KCRAChannel.com The Detroit Project was created by Americans for Fuel Efficient Cars, a group co-founded by Huffington, film producer Lawrence Bender, environmental activist Laurie David, and movie and TV agent Ari Emanuel. The $50,000 cost of creating the ads was covered by thousands of individual small contributions. Major donors contributed the $175,000 to buy air time. The ads, written and directed by Scott Burns, who was part of the creative team responsible for the "Got Milk" campaign, will air this Sunday on "Face the Nation" and "Meet the Press." "
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The funny thing about this is earlier this evening while watching something on tv (I don't remember the show or channel), there was an ad with Cameron Diaz and Gwenyth Paltrow doing a "candid" spot talking about how using low energy lightbulbs and switching to a hybrid type car would help lessen the US dependency on foreign oil. Sadly the ad might have been slightly more effective if it wasn't completely obvious that they were reading off cue-cards. ;)
[ ]
Spacey news
Exploding star may produce backyard show- "A rare hypergiant star visible to the naked eye from Earth erupted explosively and may do so again at any time, an event that might be visible to backyard astronomers, a team of researchers said today. The star might even disappear for a while. The eruption was recorded in early 2000 and made public here today at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society. A quantity of ejecta equal to 10,000 earths was shot into space, more than astronomers have ever witnessed in a single stellar eruption."
Black Hole Music-"A CD of black hole music most likely can't compete with Britney Spears or the Soggy Bottom Boys, but a new study shows these venerable gravity instruments produce complex tunes whose underlying principles are remarkably similar to pop, bluegrass, classical or any other style you might think of." (an old article but I just came across it...and it's interesting)
Milky Way's Central Black Hole captured by Chandra- "The longest X-ray look yet at the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center has given astronomers unprecedented access to its life and times. The new data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory revealed that our galaxy's central black hole is a frequent bad actor, prone to numerous outbursts and occasional large explosions."
Astronomers identify a new type of star- "A new type of star has been discovered lurking as a low mass component in a very compact binary star system. Astronomers Steve B. Howell of the University of California, Riverside and Tom Harrison of New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, announced today at the American Astronomical Society Meeting in Seattle, Wash., that they have confirmed the existence of a new variety of stellar end-product. This previously unknown type of star has some properties similar to brown dwarf stars and may help astronomers understand some of the recently discovered extra-solar planets in close proximity to their suns."
[ ]
Places to go
the cyber "I Love Starbucks/Coffee" clique- debating joining this.
Theme Thursday- I should start doing this.
Brain fart
I feel kinda blah today. There's things to do and I just don't have the motivation to get going on them. Like cleaning up the kitchen. It's been a disaster for a week or so and really needs to be cleaned up. I did start on it while the coffee was brewing but it still needs a bit more work. Although yesterday I did a massive cleaning job on the bathroom which was in dire need of it. I also need to go out and run some errands. I'd be more motivated if I had to go out and clean off the car but the snow we got last night wasn't all that much and it melted already so, that's not there to do. I guess it may be odd that cleaning off the car would motivate me in a way, but it does. I'm not quite sure why. I guess it's because I'm a bit strange.
I'm hoping for things to pick up on the job front. That's another thing I have to do today....checking job boards. And I should get some emails sent out. I'm sort of working on a new design for my site too but, I've been having trouble staying focused while working on it. I should probably do some fixing on this place as well as there are still a few bugs that need to be squished.
I should title things more often on here. But I get lazy.
[ ]
Thurs Thumb Twiddler
1. Someone you deeply love is horribly murdered. The person you know did it gets off. Do you take justice/revenge into your own hands? I'd be very tempted to but I don't think I would be able to.
2. If you learned you were going to die in two days, would you have any regrets? If you suddenly got a five year respite, could you avoid those same regrets? In two days...I'd have a few regrets. I think if I had more time I'd be able to avoid at least some of them.
3. What's the greatest fashion faux pas -- wearing clothes too big, clothes too small, clothes ten years out of date, or clothes for someone ten years older than you? Too small. It makes me sick to see people squeezed into clothes too small for them. They look like sausages or something. For an example see Anna Nicole Smith.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Commercial- Are there any TV commercials that really grab you? I mean, to the point you want to show them to other people? There are a few. Although it seems that lately there have been less of them.
Twosome: Holiday- Valentine's Day is coming up, do you celebrate the holiday or do you prefer to just let it pass you by? I celebrate it but usually it's nothing major. Just little gifts or something. I hate playing into the whole "hallmark"iness of the holiday though.
Threesome: Madness- Even if you don't celebrate it, do you sucumb to the madness and buy up boxes of chocolates, just for you? Not usually. I prefer the candy message hearts.
3 for Thursday (#16):
1. If you could only watch 3 things on TV what would they be (like, just all sports, Doctor Phil and Oprah, Lifetime for Women movies, or similarly, reruns of "chick flick" movies like "Chocolat" or "Titanic"). I would have to go with cheesy movies from the 80s (all those teen flicks like the Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles), action movies (like Die Hard), and cartooons!
2. While you're watching these shows, what are your 3 favorite snack foods (for instance, buffalo fingers, pizza, or burgers and fries...or just anything alcoholic because your significant other is forcing you to watch chick flick reruns)? I don't tend to snack much while watching tv but when I do I like BBQ potato chips, nachos or fruit (like pomegrantes and oranges).
3. If you could make a movie, what 3 actors/actresses would you have star in the movie? Tim Roth, Sean Connery, and Ashley Judd. (It's so hard to pick just three!)
4.Do you do anything while watching TV or just sit in front of the tube like a slug? Sometimes I'll pay bills or do something else but I sometimes just sit there too.
BONUS: Who controls the remote at your house? Have you every fought over the remote with your significant other? Tell the story. The significant other does....definitely. It's such a man thing. We haven't really fought over it because it doesn't really bother me.
Daily Dose-
1) Do you own a cell phone? If not, do you plan to get one? If yes, what kind do you own? Yes I do. The phone is a Motorola I think. I got it cos it was cheap with the plan and the money I actually paid for the phone went to a charity which is pretty cool.
2) What features do you look for in a cell phone? Reception. And I guess battery length.
3) Would you ever consider buying a watch phone? Doubtful. But you never know.
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
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Did Jesus heal using cannabis? Article in the Guardian takes a look at what researchers have found out.
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Vodafone's run of ill luck with advertising has continued after being rebuked when a child "nearly choked" on a throat sweet contained in a mailshot sent out by the firm. The Advertising Standards Authority agreed with a complaint from the child's parents that the operator had been "irresponsible" to include the lozenge when it could have fallen into children's hands. In turn, Vodafone apologised for the stress it had caused. The company landed in trouble in November last year after one of its ads was deemed to encourage users to write text messages while driving. In October, it was ticked off by the ASA for ads the watchdog called "explicit and gratuitous"."
Schools consider selling ad space on school grounds. With the way the economy is, schools are hit hard. Unfortunately they need to come up with alternative ways to get money into the school to finance programs. "In our current economic environment, schools need to be creative," said Acushnet School Superintendent Harold G. Devine. "If finances get any worse, that's certainly something that could be put on the table here." It's actually quite sad that it has to come to this kind of idea.
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
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This or That
1. "Time" or "Newsweek"? Newsweek
2. "Wall Street Journal" or "National Enquirer"? Wall Street Journal
3. "Sports Illustrated" or "Cook's Illustrated"? Cook's Illustrated
4. "Martha Stewart Living" or "MAD Magazine"? Martha...yes I know.
5. "Cosmopolitan" or "Maxim"? Cosmo.
6. "People" or "Entertainment Weekly"? Entertainment Weekly
7. "National Geographic" or "Readers Digest"? National Geo
8. "Good Housekeeping" or "Popular Mechanics"? Good Housekeeping
9. "PC World" or "MacWorld"? MacWorld
10. "Southern Living" or "Yankee" (magazine about New England living)? Yankee I guess.
Monday, January 06, 2003
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And now for something completely British- a very cool site for anglophiles! :)
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.1
1. What is one of your favorite things to wear? My pajama bottoms...they are super comfy.
2. Did you get any "dud" gifts for the holidays? Will you return them? Nope and nope.
3. Let's do a few "Best of 2002" thoughts. What was the best movie of 2002? Why did you pick that one? Lord of the Rings....cos it was goood.
4. What world event of 2002 made an impact on you? Um...bad economy I guess.
5. What personal event of 2002 was the most memorable? Moving in with da man.
6. Is there anything in 2002 (decisions, relationships, purchases, etc.) that, looking back, you would have done differently? Not that I can think of. I'm sure there's something(s) but none that I remember.
7. Shine up your magic crystal ball and look into the future. What do you think will happen in your life in 2003? Or, what would you like to happen in 2003? A job a job a job!!!
BONUS: Was it somethin' I said or somethin' I did, did my words not come out right? Of course.
[ ]
Adage Bobby awards- I have to disagree with them on some of their picks though. Like Britney Spears and Mike Piazza. Honestly the only celebs they mention are the ones with the massive airtime behind the spots. There has to have been other celebs in ads that were better than these.
Saturday, January 04, 2003
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More snow. woo. Actually it's not so bad. I just wish I didn't keep getting plowed in. Seems no matter where I park my car is the one that gets the boulder sized hunks of snow pushed behind it.
Friday, January 03, 2003
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Short words to explain relativity- Interesting and well written (found at blogdex).
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Blurring Ads and TV programs. The deal, which makes up most of a $2 million advertising package that Labatt bought on Fox Sports Net for 2003, also calls for cameos by the bear mascot featured in recent Labatt Blue commercials.
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Spacey
"Dark energy" rules the universe- "This finding provides strong support for a universe which is dominated by a kind of energy we've never directly observed," says Chaboyer. "Observations of distant supernova have suggested for a few years that dark energy dominates the universe, and our finding provides independent evidence that the universe is dominated by this type of energy we do not understand."
Age of the universe revised, again. In a study published today in the journal Science, a team of researchers says the universe is between 11.2 billion and 20 billion years old. Most estimates in recent years have ranged between 10 billion and 15 billion years. Last year, data supplied by the Hubble Space Telescope led to an apparently refined estimate of 13 billion to 14 billion years.
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Friday Five
1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind? Yep. I have three rings that I tend to wear a lot. And depending on where I'm going or my mood I'll put on earrings and/or a necklace and/or a bracelet.
2. How often do you wear it? Rings I wear most of the time. Unless I forget to put them back on or something. Other stuff I usually wear when going out. I have a watch I used to wear all the time but it needs a new battery and I keep forgetting to get it done.
3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where? Yeah. Just my ears. One on each.
4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where? Nope.
5. What are your plans for the weekend? I have no idea.
Thursday, January 02, 2003
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3 for Thursday- New Things!
1. What are 3 things you’d like to try (whether activities, foods, etc.,)? I'd like to try changing a tire, since I've never done it before and only know what to do in theory. I'd like to attempt to cook some indian food at home. And, I'd like to try to be more neat...apartment is a disaster! :)
2. What are 3 things you’ve tried and wished you hadn’t? Fish. Sushi. Lobster.
3. What are 3 things people have tried to get you to try and you refuse? What’s your reasons for not trying it? Shellfish. It makes me feel sick just smelling it usually. I can't think of any other ones right now. Agh.
4. What are 3 naughty things you’d like to do (interpret naughty things any way you’d like)? Hehehe. Eat a whole pint of B&J ice cream, something with my man, and I'd like to egg the cars of all those who don't hire me.
5. What are 3 wishes you have? To get a job, to have some money and not be broke all the time anymore and a big bagel with cream cheese (haven't had breakfast yet! )
BONUS: What 3 things worry you the most that may happen in the new year? I don't even want to say because then it's put out there and all that. I'd rather not think about that kind of thing.
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Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Postage Hey, did all your packages and cards get delivered? ...or are you (or perhaps someone on the receiving end) still expecting something 'any day now'? I think all of mine got to their destinations. Supposedly I have one still coming to me that I know of but, who knows.
Twosome: Due: Are you due for a break after all the excitement of the holidays? ...or are you just moving on with life? Maybe the upcoming weekend is a good thing to see on the horizon? Just moving on with life. Looking forward to the weekend although yesterday kept feeling like a Sunday.
Threesome: Two cents... What's your two cents on things wintery? Has it been one you can handle so far or a bit too much for your taste? So far it's been okay, besides the last time it snowed and I shoveled out my car from my space only to have a plow come along two days later and plow me back in. Argh. That kind of thing is frustrating. It's actually been quite wintery this year. More snow so far I think than we got all last winter. Or so it seems :)
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Friday memes
Friday Five
1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why? I liked She-ra (i'm probably spelling this wrong). She was a princess of power which was cool. I also liked Wonderwoman.
2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got? I don't know wha they were called but it was a circular thing you sat on and you turned a disk that made you spin. Oh and a Snoopy Snow Cone Machine.
3. What's the furthest from home you've been? Italy.
4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet? To be fluent in more than one language. I was nearly fluent in spanish once upon a time, but much of that knowledge has gone bye-bye. :o/
5. What are your plans for the weekend? None so far. Right now sleep would be cool, since the bitch upstairs woke me up this morning. So very angry....*grrrrrrrrr*
Weekly Wrap-up
1. Why do you blog? Keeps me up on things. I sort of started doing it as a way to keep busy during slow temp jobs that were extremely boring. I've started to use it to link to things I may want to revisit or things that I think are just interesting.
2. What do you blog about? Why? Usually it's advertising news or related things, astronomy type stuff or anything that catches my fancy. Why you ask? Because I find the stuff interesting.
3. Who is your primary blogging audience? Why? No idea. Yesterday I found a (free!) tool to be able to see referrers and so far the majority seem to be people looking up ad related stuff on the net.
4. What is your blogging philosophy? Why? My site, my words, my opinion...and if you don't like it, bugger off. :) Actually I don't really have a philosophy.
5. Have you ever stopped blogging or considered ending your blog? Why? What happened? Not really. I've taken breaks here and there because I couldn't fit it in time-wise, but that's about it.
posted @ 11:27 AM | Link to This | 
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1 comments
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Thursday, January 30, 2003
[ ]
Ads from the 80s (warning:popup ads abound) Cool for taking a trip down memory lane.
AOL'er Translator- Translate your message into something a 12-year old AOL user can understand. Talk about the destruction of language! ack!
Poster "art" from WWII, aka propaganda.
[ ]
Meme Time
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. When was the last time you ever walked out of a movie while it was still playing on screen? Or have you ever? I don't think I ever have, although there have been a few where I was *very* tempted to.
2. What sort of things would you do if you could be as outgoing and uninhibited as you wish? Nothing really comes to mind. I think I'm pretty outgoing as it is...well for the most part.
3. In an expensive restaurant, after a very nice, enjoyable meal, the waitress brings you your check. You notice you didn't get charged for one of the items. What, if anything, do you do? Considering money is tight now, probably nothing. If I had the money to pay for it, I might say something.
Thursday Threesome
Echoes: What sound do you hear from time to time that immediately draws up an echo from the past? Black Crow's cd...brings back a memory for me.
Visions: ...and what about something you might see now and again that evokes a scene from days gone by? Dolphins. They remind me of my past desire to become a marine biologist.
Memories: "Misty water color memories"? Is there a painting or a picture you like to look back on just to remember a certain time or place? Yes, quite a few of them in fact. :)
3 for Thursday (#19):
1. What are 3 things have eaten off of someone else's plate (or just someone else)? Hah. Um, berries, whipped cream, tomatoes.
2. What are 3 things that you like to lick or suck? Ice pops, lollys, and candycanes (I'm keeping this one clean!)
3. What 3 of your favorite foods do you consider finger lickin' good? Chocolate, sweet potato fries, and BBQ potato chips.
4. Do you like to play with your food? If so, what are 3 ways you play with your food? (like shooting peas through a straw…) Not really. Playing with my food was never something I really did.
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Woody's World of Penis Euphemisms and
Muffy's World of Vagina Euphemisms- for when you need to find another term for your "sweet spot". ;-)
Ad related news
Advertising loses ring of confidence- This article takes a look at Australian advertising and the deteriorating quality of ads.
New advertising panel aims to be industry barometer- "The major research project will look at industry confidence at one of the most crucial times in recent media history as experts struggle to predict when the beleaguered advertising market will recover. A panel of professionals from agencies, media owners and advertisers will examine major topics - including industry confidence and brand reputation - for a series of quarterly studies.The research is aimed at providing advertisers with a comprehensive view of the media world, including how various sectors of the media are performing, as well as likely future trends."
Kmart sets ad blitz amid closings- "Discount retailer Kmart Corp. said Thursday it will give out coupon books worth $150 to draw customers to its remaining stores as it begins closing more than 300 outlets as part of its plan to emerge from bankruptcy."
Kellogg Hikes Price of Cereal- "While the increase on cereals such as Special K and Cocoa Krispies was prompted largely by higher commodity prices for wheat and cocoa that are likely to gobble up much of the profit margin, one food analyst said that Kellogg's decision will probably drive its marketing budget as well." (isn't cereal expensive enough as it is? $3.50- $4.00+ seems a lot to me).
Television shows are chum for advertising.- "Deep sea fishermen will throw small fish chunks and guts out the rear of their fishing vessel in an attempt to attract bigger game fish in a process called chumming, Runyeon explained. He said that's exactly what advertisers do with programming: throw chum to general audiences in the form of programming to attract them to actually view the commercials." Interesting article.
Reebok has a hard-hitting campaign on its hands- A look at the success of the "Terry Tate, Office Linebacker" spot.
Telemarketers Sue to Stop Do-Not-Call List - "Telemarketers went to court on Wednesday in an attempt to stop the U.S. government from setting up a proposed "do not call" list that would help consumers block unwanted sales calls. Four telemarketing companies and a trade group filed suit in federal court in Oklahoma City to stop the Federal Trade Commission from setting up a program that would allow consumers to place their names on a list of households that do not want to receive such calls." Oh *please*! This is so dumb. If their suit gets through, it will be a sign of the apocalypse or something.
Cashing in on the weblog
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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The Super Bowl
Everyone knows Super Bowl Sunday is advertising's big day. New concepts and new ideas that "push the envelope" (such an overused phrase that is), usually come together to create good fodder for office gossip on Monday around the water cooler.
Spoofs seemed to be the overriding theme in the Super Bowl XXXVII ads. A spoof of The Strongman Contest, Antiques Roadshow, Gilligan's Island, The Sixth Sense, Castaway, Perry Mason, and an existing Miller Light Ad. There was also a good share of animals causing havoc. So without further ado, here are the ads and my review of them. (View the spots here.) Ads are grouped by their product category, so the comparison between competitors and their ads and the different approaches they took are clear.
Beer and Alcoholic Beverages
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Replay"
Ad Agency: Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Boston
Summary: A zebra referee looks at an instant replay for a ruling during a football game between horses (return to a theme from a couple years ago), while two cowboys look on.
Opinion: A simple spot, shot well, and it doesn't try too hard. It stood out because it was different. Especially compared to the other Anheuser Busch spots.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Strongest Man - Hero"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: In a spoof of the Strongest Man, contestants are about to carry an industrial sized fridge filled with Bud Light to the finish line. A fan runs in and steals the fridge. As he attempts to leave the arena, he gets knocked down by an even more feeble fan. This continues until an old man with a cane ends up with the fridge.
Opinion: Not a bad spot. But not great either. There's something familiar with this general concept.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Parade"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: A clown in a parade who appears to be walking upside down (feet look like hands, head looks like a butt) stops in a bar to have a Bud Light. He is oblivious to the stares around him as he drinks through his "ass". He asks the bartender if he can get a hot dog, to which the bartender responds, "I don't think so."
Opinion: Crass. It is very visual which is prefect for this medium, although, I'm not sure about resorting to the "bathroom type joke".
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Reggae"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A guy walking his small black dog sees a sign in a bar window for Bud Light. He wants to go in but notices a sign that says "No Pets". He pauses for a minute and then puts the dog on his head, a la dreadlocks, and speaks with a Jamaican accent. Last shot is of a woman sitting next to him at the bar reaching up to touch the dreads, and they growl at her.
Opinion: Typical Bud Light spot. Not all that surprising. And in the mix of the others, this one was one of the weaker Bud Light ads to air.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Sounds of the Sea"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A man watches another pick up women on the beach using a conch shell and a suave line. The man decides to try it, but when he puts the shell to his ear, a crab grabs his face. Next shot of him is at a bar on the beach, getting a bottle of Bud Light. The bartender uses the shell to open the bottle.
Opinion: A good spot. Some what predictable but it got a laugh out of me. A good use of "showing, not telling" a story.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Guy's Worst Nightmare"
Ad Agency: Downtown Partners, Toronto
Summary: A man is on the phone with a friend who warns him to check out his girlfriend's mother because she will look like her in 20 years. When he goes to answer the door he is relieved to see the mother is hot, but when he opens the door he sees her over-exaggerated behind.
Opinion: The fear guys have about their wives/girlfriends turning into their mother is different. At least something we haven't seen in ads. A decent spot.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Arms"
Ad Agency: Fusion Idea Lab, Chicago
Summary: Man and woman are on a dinner date. The man explains why he has decided to get a third arm, so he never has to put his Bud Light down. He also uses it to grab her ass as they are leaving the restaurant.
Opinion: An ad with potential as being funny but, it didn't quite do all it could have. Makes me wonder if the Creative had more there but the client wouldn't let them go for it. It just felt as though something was missing.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Good Listener"
Ad Agency: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco
A couple is at a bar. The woman is talking about a friend and her relationships. The man appears to be listening but is really watching the game on the TV just over the woman's shoulder. He even superimposes the game announcer's voice into hers. At the end of the spot she compliments him on being a good listener. This was a good spot. Especially to the target of men, and even still, you have the women who know that this is what men are doing if there's a game on and you're talking to them.
Anheuser Busch / Bud Light: "Yoga"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Two guys sneak into a yoga class (with their Bud Light) to watch women work out. The instructor eventually sees them in the back of the class and throws them out.
Opinion: This "concept" has been done, and done again. Nothing original here at all.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Motor Mouth"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Ad staring Tim McGraw as the designated driver. According to the ad, the benefit of being the designated driver is being able to decide who to drop off first.
Opinion: An okay ad. It down plays the real importance of designated drivers though. The whole point of them is to save lives, not to get rid of an annoying passenger. They missed the mark on this one.
Anheuser Busch / Budweiser: "Roommates"
Ad Agency: Fusion Idea Lab, Chicago
Summary: A guy practices asking his girlfriend if he can date her roommate in the bathroom mirror. When he does it for real she says "yes" and he is shocked.
Opinion: Another "typical" beer spot. Nothing new or exciting in the concept here. Another one that feels like you've seen it before, or at least something similar.
Anheuser Busch / Michelob Ultra: "Resolution"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: Beautiful people working out and being "fit". Tagline: "Lose the carbs not the taste". Opinion: People working out in a beer ad? Definitely different. And it fits with their tag. Although there is something weird about seeing people exercising in a beer ad.
Coors Brewing Co. / Coors Light: "Love Songs" (new edit)
Ad Agency: Foote, Cone & Belding, Chicago
Summary: The same "Long Songs" ad that has been airing for a while, changed to have it appear as if it's being viewed on a VCR, fast forwarding to the twins and rewinding to see them again and again.
Opinion: Did they not have a budget for a new spot? Or did they put all the money into the media placement? I have to wonder if this was a last minute decision to get in on the Super Bowl, to try to compete with all the Budweiser (and related lines) ads or something. I never did like this spot.
Smirnoff Ice / Triple Black: "Magnet", "Wirecutter"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: Bottle fo Smirnoff Ice is covered in barbed wire. In "Magnet" a magnet frees the bottle, and in "Wirecutter", wire cutters are used to free the bottle.
Opinion: These were okay but, nothing exciting. I think their "Blind Date" ad was much better. Not quite sure why barbed wire either. Flat concepts.
Smirnoff Ice: "Blind Date"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: A woman sits down at a bar and sees a man who she assumes is her blind date, and introduces herself as "Alex". He informers her that he isn't her blind date and as they talk he sees a car drive up with a typical "bad blind date" guy getting out of the car. He walks to the door as the blind date is entering the bar and introduces himself as "Alex" and the blind date guy takes off.
Opinion: A nice spot. Something different in this one in relation to what everyone else is doing.
Cell phones
AT&T Wireless / mlife: "Antiques Bandwagon"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: Parody of PBS "Antiques Roadshow" as a man hands an antique expert a traditional
phone. It is said to be a "useless relic".
Opinion: I liked this ad. It was better than the other ads they have done for mlife. The importance of getting an "mlife" was clear as the days of phones with wires are behind us was clear.
AT&T Wireless / mlife: "Gilligan"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: In a spoof of "Gilligan's Island", mlife asks you to consider what would have happened if Gilligan had a cell phone.
Opinion: An interesting spot. I guess on some levels the spot is kind of stupid because Gilligan wouldn't have been able to have a cell phone. Although it does tie into the importance of an "mlife".
Automobiles
Cadillac: "17th Street"
Ad Agency: D'Arcy, Troy
Summary: A man on a train views the history of Cadillac.
Opinion: There's something about these history of the carmaker ads that makes me want to scream. They are all so "samey". When the majority of automakers have been around for years, after the first one did it, you, as a competitor need to find something different to say. Sure, Cadillac has used this similar approach in the past, but I felt the same way about it then as I do now. They need a new angle for thier branding.
Cadillac / CTS: "Tunnel"
Ad Agency: D'Arcy, Troy
Summary: The CTS speeds along picturesque landscape. It heads into a tunnel and is going so fast that as it exits the tunnel, leaves and highway signs come thundering out behind it.
Opinion: A slight spin on the typical car ad. Although not by much. So it goes fast. Ok. It makes me want to say "so what"?
Chrysler / Crossfire: "Crossfire"
Ad Agency: BBDO / Detroit, Detroit
Summary: Celine Dion drives around in a car while we listen to her sing.
Opinion: This ad smacks of the ad for Jaguar with Sting from a couple years ago. In both the singer is in the car, while their songs play. Only a different car, different music, different singer and one drives while the other is in the back seat. Unorignial. I'm happy to at least be able to be bashing this ad for the concept rather than just because Celion in is it.
Dodge / Ram Heavy Duty: "Beef Jerky"
Ad Agency : BBDO / Detroit, Detroit
Summary: The driver's passenger starts choking on a hunk of beef. To help his fellow man, the driver speeds up and brakes quickly, expelling the beef jerky on to the windshield.
Opinion: Was there no other idea to show the power of the new truck engine? And who would ever think to break quickly to stop someone from choking? Rather unrealistic and just stupid.
Investments
Charles Schwab: "Delivery"
Ad Agency: GSD&M, Austin
Summary: A man sprints through his neigborhood, chased by an unknown foe, which turns out to be his mailman with his brokerage statement.
Opinion: With the way the economy is, I'd think people would want to run from their brokerage statement too. So I'm not sure why they went that way with this spot. Well shot.
Fair,Isaac & Company / myfico.com: "Future"
Ad Agency: Space 150, Minneapolis
Summary:Typical families are happy in their ideal homes, brought to them by myfico.com. Opinion: BORING! They obviously used most of their budget for air time, since they used stock shots. I'm not quite sure why they felt it was worth while to spend the money of the air time during the Super Bowl, instead of during some other "tv event". The ad was so uncreative that it was easily lost in the crowd. Nothing memorable to help it break through the clutter at all.
H&R Block: "Willie"
Ad Agency: Campbell Mithun, Minneapolis
Summary: Willie Nelson is forced to shave his beard in an ad for a razor company because his accountant screwed up his taxes.
Opinion: A fun play on Willie's real tax problems. It shows the importance of getting your taxes done right the first time, which seems to be on strategy.
Job search
HotJobs.com: "Rainbow Connection"
Ad Agency: Brand Architecture, New York
Summary: People in offices sing "The Rainbow Connection"
Opinion: Huh? What were they thinking? I was expecting Kermit to pop up at some point. Acutally that may have made the spot more interesting. This aired after monster.com's spot (not directly after), and in comparison, it was missing lots. Hardly memorable.
Monster.com: "Driver"
Ad Agency: Arnold Worldwide, Boston
Summary: A mack truck drives through a town with no one behind the wheel. And it crashes into a building. Meanwhile it cuts to shots of a truck driver drinking coffee and reading the help wanted pages or something like that.
Opinion: Definitely memorable. Hard to forget this one. But, it's a question of remembering what the ad was about as well. Their "white collar, blue collar, no collar" tagline for the spot works, although I wonder if they couldn't have come up with something shorter. But it works.
Public Service Annoucements (PSAs)
National Football League (NFL) / United Way: "Charles Woodson", "Matt Burke"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: Spots show the football players interacting with students and helping them to learn.
Opinion: Sort of "samey" with football players helping kids in the classroom. See it before. Although the copy in the "Matt Burke" spot was funny when one student asks where rain comes from and he gets all scientific, and the kid stops him and asks "doesn't it come from the sky?" The number of times it was mentioned that Burke went to Harvard was a bit much- it almost made me wonder if Harvard threw in a few bucks to help pay for the spot.
Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA): "Pregnancy"
Ad Agency: McCann-Erickson, New York
Summary: Pregnancy shows a youngish couple waiting for the results of an at-home pregnancy test. Copy says they are going to be the youngest grandparents ever, as the shot cuts to their teenage daughter. All becuase she smoked pot and impaired her judgement.
Opinion: I like how they used the twist in the spot, but come on, most teens who get pregnant because of poor judgement can point the finger at underage drinking, not pot. I'm honestly tired of these "scare tactics".
Philip Morris / Youth Smoking Prevention: "Field of Dreams"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: Father and son play baseball. At the start of the spot, the kid is a toddler, and as the spot goes on he ages and becomes a teeen. Copy talks about keeping kids healthy and talking to them about smoking.
Opinion: An average spot. The visual is some what intriguing, seeing the kid grow up. But that's pretty much where it ends.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: "Ghost Office", "Ghost Subway"
Ad Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, NY
Summary: Ghost Office shows a woman being confronted by a girl who died because of violence connected to drugs.
Ghost Subway shows a man on a subway train being confronted by dead people who blame him for their deaths because he did drugs.
Opinion: More of those ever popular scare tactics. And very "Sixth Sence".
Sub Shops
Subway: "Dreams"
Ad Agency: Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer EuroRSCG, NY
Summary: Jared dreams of having a Subway shop in his kitchen.
Opinion: Enough with Jared already. Does the fact that he wishes he had a sub shop in his kitchen make me want to go to Subway? No. Not at all. I would have liked to have seem something more original for the Super Bowl from them.
Quizno's Subs: "Focus"
Ad Agency: Cliff Freeman & Partners, NY
Summary: A chef is so fixated on making the best subs using the best ingredients that he forgets to put on pants.
Opinion: An okay spot. Although I wonder about how appealing people find it to get food cooked by a man lacking pants.
Non-alcoholic beverages
Pepsi / Diet Pepsi: "Mud People"
Ad Agency : BBDO, NY
Summary: A kid at a muddy rock concert (a la Woodstock), discovers his father standing next to him, and that his mother is lost in the mosh pit. Tagline: Drink Young.
Opinion: My first question is why did they vary the "think young" tag line? Just seems unneccary. I liked this spot in that it follows with the other "Think Young" spots. And it's a heck of a lot better than their Britney ads of last year. The campaign as a whole is very good (and has great legs) and I would like to see more executions of it.
Pepsi-Cola / Sierra Mist: "Hydrant"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: A man is walking his dog, and incourages it to pee when they reach a fire hydrant. The dog kicks the fire hydrant over and both dog and master and blasted by the water.
Opinion: This ad keeps with their other ad of a dog leading his master to "refreshment". A bit silly but it keeps with their strategy.
Pepsi-Cola / Sierra Mist: "Monkey"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Two smart monkeys build a seesaw to launch themselves into the nearby polar bear pool.
Opinion: Monkeys are always good. Always use monkeys. *smirk* This ad falls flat compared to the other spot. Why do we care that monkeys want refreshment? Obviously it's for the entertainment value. But there are a few links in this ad that just don't make sense. Do you have to be ingenious to figure out how to get refreshed? Sierra Mist is like being a monkey risking it's life getting into a polar bear's pool to cool off? Who knew?
Pepsi Twist: "Osbournes"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Ozzy dreams that his kids are the Osmonds. When he screams for Sharon, he wakes up in bed with Florence Henderson.
Opinion: I liked this spot. I find Ozzy amusing, the way he bumbles through life. And he was very "himself" in the spot. His facial expressions in this were great. I'm not quite sure why the Florence Henderson bit was added...wasn't there enough 70s through-back with the Osmonds? It keeps with the tone and concept of other campaigns that Pepsi has done (Mike Myers spot, Halie Berry, etc).
Gatorade: "23 vs 39"
Ad Agency: Element 79 Partners, Chicago
Summary: Michael Jordan plays some basketball against his younger self.
Opinion: A well done spot, but do people really care about Michael Jordan anymore? If you're going to fork over that kind of "star money", I think it would have been better to go with someone a bit more current. But then they would have needed a totally different concept :)
Check Cards
Visa / Check Card: "The Barbers / Super Bowl"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: The Barbers are reused in this spot, as the cashier makes a comment how one is playing in the Super Bowl and the other is not.
Opinion: At first this seemed to be an old ad, until you listened to the copy. A smart variation using the media placement.
Visa / Check Card: "Yao Ming"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: Yao Ming tries to write a check in NYC. The cashier points to a sign that says "No Checks" while saying "Yo". Then Yao points to himself and says "Yao". This continues throughout the spot. Ends with Yogi Berra continuing the joke.
Opinion: A nice spot. Very simple and a nice twist on an old concept.
Discover Card: "Diapers"
Summary: A couple with twins use the Discover Card to get money to use towards a night out on the town for themselves by getting paid on the things they buy anyways, mainly diapers. Lots and lots of diapers.
Opinion: An average spot. It made me wonder what the parent are feeding these kids to go through so many diapers though.
MasterCard/ Debit Card "Dead Presidents"
Summary: Dead Presidents (Lincoln, Washington,etc) are left at home to the convience of debt cards as a man goes out on a date.
Opinion: Using the "Priceless" concept, this spot was so-so. There have been much better versions of this concept. And $10 for two ice cream cones?? Where did they get the ice cream? Tiffanys?
Apparel
Reebok: "Terry Tate Office Linebacker"
Ad Agency: Arnell Group, New York
Summary: Terry Tate tackles office workers who aren't working up to their potential.
Opinion: I really liked this spot. I think it stood out. Who doesn't want certain office comrades to get tackled now and again? Many critics have said that they didn't understand what the connection to the shoe was, or why it was going to make people want to go out and by their shoes. I don't think that was the aim of the spot. As the new official shoe of the NFL, I think Reebok was trying to tie into that fact. Not that their shoes are high performance, stylish, or anything else. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take this.
Hanes / Tagless T-shirt: "Jackie Chan Goes Tagless"
Ad Agency: The Martin Agency, Richmond
Summary: Jackie is shown doing his well-known moves in an attempt to scratch the itch caused by the tag on his t-shirt.
Opinion: Jackie's moves are always entertaining. But Michael Jordan's appearance in this spot is hardly worth mentioning.
Levi's / Type 1 Jeans: "Stampede"
Ad Agency: Bartle Bogle Hegarty, New York
Summary: A couple is walking down an empty street when a stampede of buffalo come at them. Instead of running, they just stand there and ride the rush of the moment.
Opinion: This ad had me wondering if it was for Levi's or the Gap at first. But then cleaver cuts to the Levi logo on the jeans helped to clarify. I'm sorry, but if someone was to do that they'd end up a bloody mess on the pavement. The CGI was well done. For all the money spent on this ad, I think they could have done something more simple that made more sense. I have a question about their tag line too. "Bold since 2003"- so Levi's weren't bold before then? Hmm.
Others with no competitors in their market groups
Trident: "Squirrel"
Ad Agency: J. Walter Thompson, NY
Summary: A squirrel crawls up the pant leg of the 5th dentist and bites him "you know where". And he screams "no" after all the others say "yes".
Opinion: A variation of the "4 out of 5 doctors recommend" "Fly" ad that aired earlier in the week. I think this one was better. It's about time they jumped on this idea. It's a good conecpt.
Federal Express (FedEx): "Desert Island"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: A Fedex driver with long beard holding fed ex box shows up on doorstep of a house. A woman answers and he says he was shipwrecked for 5 years but had to get the package to her. She thanks him and he asks what's in side...she says "just silly stuff, like a global positioning unit, seeds, etc."
Opinion: This spot was very " Castaway." It would have been nicer to have done this spot closer to the movie when it was more current. Although, who knows. They could have but shelved it. I liked this ad. It was effective in showing how FedEx will get you your package by any means. The quality is up there with some of their other spots, like "We Apologize" from 1998.
McDonald's: "Tough Day"
Ad Agency: DDB, Chicago
Summary: A father and son are tuckered out after their respective hard days and are "rewarded" with McDonalds.
Opinion: This spot wasn't all that memorable. A different twist, having the kid have a rough day but over all, it is no where near to their spot a couple years back of the baby in the swing.
AOL Broadband: "Neighbors"
Ad Agency: BBDO, NY
Summary: After the Super Bowl game, neighbors in an apartment run into the person's apartment with the "best" internet connection to watch the Super Bowl ads on AOL. Tag: Everything you want, instantly."
Opinion: This was a good way for AOL to market the fact that they had the Super Bowl ads to view. Probably not the most exciting execution of the idea that they could have done, but considering this was a last minute decision to put an ad up during the game, it wasn't too bad.
Sony: "The Trip"
Ad Agency: Young & Rubicam, New York
Summary: An older man prepares for his trip into outerspace, making sure to bring his video camera. Copy says "when they ask where they money went, show them".
Opinion: Very nicely shot spot. I like the whole concept but I wonder whether knowing you're parents are blowing you're inheritance on a trip into outspace plays as well as other options. It's still a strong spot that gets the message across.
WB Mason: "Perry Mason"
Summary: A spoof on a Perry Mason court room scene.
Opinion: I didn't even realize the connection of Mason and Mason until I typed the above. Were we supposed to get that while watching the ad? This is another idea that has been done before.
The Movie Ads- As usual, Hollywood got into the game with spots for upcoming movies and movies. They inculded The Hulk, The Matrix: Reloaded, Daredevil, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Charlie's Angels 2, and Bad Boys II. None were anything to write home about. Just your typical movie previews.
Additional- ABC self-promotion: The Practice had ads spoofing the MIller Light "Cat Fight" spot, in order to advertise that the show is moving to a new day and time. Two beefcakes argue over "Better night! New Time!" Then it cuts to the women in the show watching the ad. Mildly amusing. The other variation is two women having the same fight, cutting to the male cast as one says "I love it when women fight over me." There were a ton for Alias (too many), and a few for some new shows as well.
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Tueday's questions
This or That: Same Thing, Different Names
1. Kleenex or tissue? Tissue
2. Soda or pop (or tonic or whatever)? Soda
3. A sandwich on a long roll: sub or hero (or hoagie or grinder, etc)? Sub
4. Glasses or spectacles? Glasses
5. TV or television (or boob-tube, or telly, for our friends across the pond)? TV or Telly
6. Movie or film? Movie
7. Sofa or couch? Couch
8. Stove or range? Stove
9. Remote control or clicker? Remote
10. Supermarket or grocery store? Market.
Tuesday Too
1.) Are you comfortable spending time alone? Do you actually look forward to that time? Why, or why not? I'm very comfortable being alone. I guess part of it has to do with being an only child. I'm used to entertaining myself. And yes, I do look forward to it. Especially when my schedule gets crazy and I don't have much time for it.
2.)What's the next best thing to your best thing? Humor.
3.) What do wish you you'd done last week/last month that you didn't do? If you're someone who accomplishes everything you set out to do, please let us in on the secret. I can't think of anything. I didn't have much on my list of things to get done really.
[ ]
Check back for my review on the Super Bowl ads. Hopefully to be posted Tuesday.
Monday, January 27, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.04
1. Do you care for poetry? Yes. Do you have a favorite poem? Yes. Care to share some of it? I would but as I don't know it by heart and I'm not in the mood to find it, no. :-)
2. What does it take to "rock your world?" Hmmm depends what you mean by that ;-)
3. Have you ever done anything that landed you in financial trouble? Has somebody else's action ever caused you financial ruin? What happened? I haven't although being laid off did no good for my bank account/wallet/etc.
4. Take a stroll down memory lane. There is a song, that every time you hear it, you think of this one person. What's the song, who is the person, and what memories does it conjure up? Que Cera Cera...I bet I spelt that wrong. Reminds me of my grandma...she used to sing it to me and when I'm in a tough place sometimes "whatever will be will be" really makes sense.
5. I've never cared for football, it was never on in the house growing up and I never developed a "taste" for it. But I've always felt like I "should" enjoy it, that I was deficient in some way because I never get excited about things like the Super Bowl (except for the commercials). Are there any occasions when you feel like you are missing out on something that everyone else seems to enjoy? None that I can think of. Well, maybe seafood and fish. I hate it, but everyone else seems to like it.
6. A few of the phrases that get under my skin are "take it to the next level" (which was used when I was told why I was being replaced at Fox by someone who could do that) and "you just don't get it" (always popular in relationship fights). What phrases "push your buttons" and why? Right now, "how's the job search going?" and "so what have you been up to?" tick me off. I've avoided certain social gatherings where I know that will come up because I hate it.
7. Do you believe in life after death? What do you believe happens when our time is up? I'm not sure. In some ways I really like the whole idea of reincarnation. But I don't know. The scientist in me thinks that we just get recycled in the ground. Even that has a cosmic vibe to it though. The fact that matter cannot be destroyed and what we are just becomes something else.
BONUS: Everybody's talking all this stuff about me why don't they just let me live? Because that would be waaaay too easy ;-)
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SuperBowl mania
If you want to view the ads, check out ad-rag.com- they have ads from this years as well as previous years. Tres cool.
Nestscape has a poll of what your favorite Super Bowl ad was...topping the list is Budweiser's Zebra Ref, followed by Terry Tate Office Linebacker by Reebok and Bud Lite Upside Down Clown.
Advertisers stick with humor- " This year's 30-second slots sold for between $2.1 million and $2.2 million, about 10 percent more than last year. For the second consecutive year, Anheuser-Busch was the game's largest advertiser, with 11 spots." Read more articles here, here, here, here, here (includes which quarters ads aired), here, here, here.
Other ad news
This headline made me laugh "Schwarzenegger's Hummer Helps GM" Hehehe...I'm so immature!
Because of the value placed on plastic grocery bags by consumers, large-scale gifts of plastic bags are a successful part of the U.S. Meat Export Federation's ongoing strategy to increase the use of U.S. pork by Russian processors and retailers and to support their loyalty to U.S. pork. Plastic bags in U.S. grocery stores are given away free to people buying groceries; not so in Russia. Russian consumers, like many Europeans, are charged for each bag. Because of this, the plastic shopping bag is recycled in the most obvious way: it's reused to carry lunches, books, papers, office supplies and school notebooks and rarely trashed until it is full of holes or in shreds. The Russian use and reuse of plastic bags make them a very potent form of advertising since the recipients of plastic bags bearing the U.S. pork logo carry them to every conceivable place consumers venture or congregate, according to USMEF. This would be reason enough for the federation to provide supermarkets with plastic bags, but there is another."
Sunday, January 26, 2003
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Daily Dose- Topic: When was the last time I...
1) Hugged someone? Last night
2) Talked to a friend on the phone? Today
3) Gave money to charity? [this could be an organized charity or someone on the streets]- Last month
4) Washed my [or family member's] vehicle? September
5) Smiled for a photo? the holidays
6) Told someone you loved them? Last night
7) Cried? Last week
8) Went to the movie theatre? I don't know
9) Went swimming? August
10) Went on a date? [if married... last time just you and your SO went out, alone] Last week
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Pre-Super Bowl Ad Buzz
Marketing Monster- advertising on the Super Bowl for the 5th year in a row.
Reebok gets into the Super Bowl
Top Super Bowl ads of the last 10 years- Top ten Super Bowl ads of the last decade as determined by Bruzzone Research, an Alameda, Calif., firm that ranks the ads according to the percentage of viewers who recognized the spot and also knew what it was for.
Foxtrot goes Super Bowl Sunday and related I found Bill Amend's site- creator of Foxtrot
Monday see ad-rag.com for more Super Bowl ad related news, viedos and more.
Friday, January 24, 2003
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Friday Five
1. What is one thing you don't like about your body? Stomach.
2. What are two things you love about your body? Eyes, hair.
3. What are three things you want to change about your home? More storage, new carpets, less leaky windows.
4. What are four books you want to read this year? Too many, and I can't ever remember them.
5. What are five promises you have kept to yourself? That's between me and me. ;)
Daily Dose-The Friday Face Off
1) Better pizza topping: Beef or Veggies? Veggies
2) Better chocolate bar: Snickers or Baby Ruth? Snickers
3) Better battery: Energizer or Duracell? Duracell
4) Better vacation spot, gimme: Water or Snow? Water
5) Better sneakers: Reebok or Nike? Reebok, although i like adidas best :)
6) Better way to travel: Land or Sky? Sky
7) Better watch: Wind-up or Digital? Digital
8) Better magazine: Spin or URB? Spin
9) Better wine: White or Red? White
10) Better undies: Briefs/Boxers or Thong/French Cut? Boxers or French Cut
Thursday, January 23, 2003
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Spacey stuff for a cold Thursday
Team Encounter is launching messages into space- Reminds me of something I did back in school. We grew tomato seeds that had been in space to see what the effects of them being in space was. Sadly I don't remember my results. I wonder if I have that somewhere at home.
Space news at space.com- Lots of interesting things there and I don't feel up to linking each one...yes I'm being lazy. But find out about A newfound planet opens the door to more discoveries around giant stars, and shows the sort of fate that might one day befall Earth, Geology of Europa: Evidence for Water?,
Mystery Matter Helped Build First Galaxies, Study Suggests, and much more :)
Earth Likely Spared From One Form Of Cosmic Doom- Good to know.
Distant world in peril
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Ad gab
Ivory soap is bringing back the baby- After thirty years, the folks at Ivory soap are bringing back the baby that was the mainstay of their advertising campaigns in the past. But, of course, Ivory needs a new baby and they're searching the country for their new poster child. An Ivory ad featuring a baby last appeared 30 years ago.
Dave Thomas is going to be inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame- He will be inducted along with four others in this year's class of inductees- Hall Adams Jr., retired chairman and chief executive of Leo Burnett Co. Inc.; Phil Dusenberry, former chairman of BBDO North America; John H. Johnson, publisher and chairman of Johnson Publishing Co. Inc.; and David Sarnoff, deceased president and chairman of RCA.
Pizza Hut set to introduce their new Gold Stuffed Pizza
More anti-drug ads to appear during super bowl According to the press release "The new ads have been extensively tested with target audiences". Which means what? The fact that they got a bunch of people to view the ads seems like a weird point to emphasize. Maybe after the ads that connected drugs to terrorism they feel they need to show they can prove "My Future Self n' Me". After a little bit of research I found there have been studies done to see if these scare tactics are working. One article shows researchers are questioning the value of these scare tactics.
"Margaret Brown, chair of CTAs School Management Committee and a member of the Sacramento City Teachers Association, agrees with the conclusions of the controversial study. "My observation is that students want information that is realistic to the world they live in," says Brown, who teaches in a continuation high school. "Drugs are a part of the world they live in, in many cases. They don't want scare tactics. They want information about how drugs affect the body. The kids say, "Give me a real message, and don't talk to me like I'm awful if I've tried it." "
You can view the ads here after Sunday and their older ads now.
Commericals steal show at the movies-"Cinema advertising becomes a viable option when "you've got a brand that's connected to the fabric of the culture and if you've got great creative that fits the environment," said Steve Moynihan, managing director at ArnoldMPG, a media-planning agency in Boston. "It's not the best place to sell diapers or green beans." "
More about the "cat fight" ad- One point of view.
Commericals on the web? And you thought pop-ups were annoying.
Funny
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The pill changes women's taste in men- Definitely worth a look if you're on the pill. Or even if you're not. Science...amazing stuff. ;-)
The Recording Industry Association of America wants to go after the companies that provide you with your Internet access. - This whole thing is getting out of control. I honestly cannot believe that an ISP can be held responsible for another persons actions. It's absolutely insane! The fact that Verizon is supposed to turn over the name of a subscriber who downloaded songs is stupid. Hello Big Brother.
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Questions for today
Thursday Thumb Twiddler
1. If there were to be a televised, public execution broadcast in prime time, would you watch it? No.
2. If you could mold to your liking your memories of any past experiences, would you do so? I don't think so. The thing with memories, good or bad, is that the variety helps to keep things interesting.
3. The excitement of the Holiday Season is long over. What "big day" are you looking forward to next? None. At least none that I can think of. Valentines day is coming up but that's not that big of a thing to me.
Thurs Threesome
Onesome: Still- Can't hold still? What type of music gets you going? I mean to where your just have to crank it up and start moving to the beat! Techno, trancey-type, hip hop, general "club" music, and bands like Live, Jane's Addiction, Chili Peppers, and sometimes upbeat 80s music too.
Twosome: Life- Life in the fast lane? What would it take to slow you down a bit and let you relax this weekend? Hmmm? ...or are you going to turn That Game on? (...and who's going to win?) Well as I don't have any plans yet for this weekend, except vacuuming the place, I guess it won't take much. I'm not sure if I'm going to watch the game and if I do, it will be for the commercials and not the game itself. I could care less about football. At least it means that now Futurama won't keep getting skipped because of games running long or whatever.
Threesome: In watercolor- Hey! How about wall art? What do you like to have hanging around the place for decoration? Kid pics? Knick-knacks? ...the Monet or two? In the study we have some posters. In the livingroom and bedroom there are some paintings that I did. And a dart board. It's more of a decoration only because it hardly ever gets used anymore.
3 for Thursday (#18):
1. What are 3 things that are wondrous to you - never cease to amaze you? Human creativity. My sweetie. The universe.
2. What are 3 very positive and great things in your life? My sweetie. My family. My friends.
3. What are 3 things that you treasure that you would give up/sacrifice for someone you love? This is a hard one. I'm not sure. I guess it would depend what kind of things I'd have to give up.
4. What are 3 wacky sayings/phrases that just crack you up every time you hear them? There are plenty but now that I'm put on the spot I can't think of any! Argh!
Bonus: If there is one thing you can do for someone that would make life easier and happier, what would it be and why? Hmm. I don't know.
Daily Dose
1) What is your stance on abortion? I believe in the right to choose. No government should have the right to say what a woman can or cannot do with her body.
2) Do you know someone who has had an abortion? Did they regret the decision? If I do, I don't know that they did.
3) On another topic, do you support/oppose assisted suicides for terminally ill patients? I think if someone is terminally ill...it's their choice how they spend the last bit of life they have. I think that if they are suffering it's probably worse than remaining alive. I can see why they would want to do it. I'm not really a supporter of it or opposed to it though. I think this is something that probably has been going on for centuries in a very quiet manner and no one ever thought about it until the media got on to it.
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Jane be Jane
You're better that way
Not when you're trying
Imitating something you think you saw
Jane be Jane
And if sometimes that might
Drive them away
Let them stay there
You don't need them anyway
You're worried there might not be
Anything at all inside
But that you're worried
Should tell you that's not right
Don't try to see yourself
The way that others do
It's no use
You're worried there might not be
Anything at all inside
But that you're worried
Should tell you that's not right
You've had it harder than anyone could know
So hard to let it go
But it's your life
And you can decorate it
As you like
Beneath the paint and armour
In your eyes the truth still shines
Jane be Jane
Jane be Jane
Ben Folds Five "Jane" (found here- interesting stuff on Jane-ism, a la Jane Austen)
Wednesday, January 22, 2003
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Ozzy with a twist- Pepsi will air a new ad for the SuperBowl for it's Pepsi Twist. The advert stars the Black Sabbath frontman and his children, Jack and Kelly, along with a host of celebrities. It shows the two Osbourne children "unwrapping" their faces to reveal they are in fact Donny and Marie Osmond. As they begin to sing, the advert cuts to a horrified Ozzy Osbourne awaking from his nightmare and crying out for his wife, Sharon, reports Media Guardian. The final scene reveals that the woman lying in bed next to him is not his wife but Florence Henderson, the actress who played Carol Brady in 1970s sitcom the Brady Bunch.Pepsi is to premiere its latest advertising campaign with Ozzy Osbourne during this weekend's Super Bowl in the US.
Outdoor advertising could go big time- A look at the future of outdoor advertising and also targeted tv stations.
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
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What the hey?
I've been noticing a huge leap in views for this place. Sunday and yesterday I had 90+ each day for page views and yesterday there were 97 unique visitors. Who are you people? *lol* I guess I just think it's kind of odd that there's a sudden surge. I'm not sure what's causing it, especially since I haven't updated this place since Friday. So, Hello!
A day late but here's the memes from Monday:
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.03
1. Friday I wrote about "People I Can Do Without." How about adding to the list with a few people you can live without? I'm sure there's a bunch I could think of but right now the one that comes to mind are the jerk drivers on the road who seem to think that their lives are more important than yours, the people who walk and/or run in the road instead of the sidewalk where there's a little bit of snow on it, and people who promise to do things but never do.
2. Have you ever felt like someone truly respected you? What does being respected mean to you personally? Well I guess so. Being respected means that they respect my decisions or thinking rather than just disagreeing or writing it off as stupid or something.
3. In (past or current) relationships, what is the "one thing" your partner would change about you if they could? Hmmm. I don't know. I'm sure there has to be something but I don't know what it would be. I'm sure I've been told but I don't remember...blocking out those fights I guess ;)
4. Have you ever tried to change who you are to please someone? How did that turn out? Yes and it was no good. I realized that shortly afterwards and learned never to do that again. If they don't like me they can sod off.
5. Do you believe in love at first sight? Can it really happen? Yes.
6. Today is "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in the United States. King's non-violent protests against unequal treatment of African-American people led to radical change in America, and ultimately, his assassination in 1968. How have Rev. King's accomplishments impacted or influenced your life? I'm not sure how they did affect me personally but I agree with his way of thinking. Happy Bday MLK!
7. In America, our President declared yesterday to be "National Sanctity of Life Day." While it enacts no change in policy or program, it does allow our country's leader to make a declarative statement about abortion. How do you feel when you hear about a government taking a position such as this? It's bad. I believe everyone has the right to choose what to do with their bodies. I don't think the government should regulate that kind of thing that is a personal decision. Not only that but why the hell did he do it on MLK day? That just seems rather disrespectful to have done it on that day rather than some other one.
BONUS: What will I do if you say we're through? Egg your car ;-)
Participation Positives
~ Got a job doing what I do best for a day but hey, it's a start!
~ Got a free haircut (thanks mum!) and it looks great
~ The shower drain finally got fixed!
~ My cat is the sweetest thing in the world and I got to visit with her this weekend
~ Interview on Friday
~ Big fuzzy sweaters (especially in this cold weather!)
~ Slippers
~ My comforter...it is super snuggly
Monday Memories
When you were a kid, did you ever let someone else take the blame for something bad you did? Or were you always the one who got in trouble for someone else's wrongdoing?
No and no. I usually got in trouble for doing things myself. Although I remember one time I got in trouble and I couldn't convience my mum it wasn't my fault. We had only had a VCR for a little bit and it was the first time the power had gone out since we had it. The clock was flashing it's now familiar 12:00 and my mum thought I had been playing around with it and messed it up. We both look back on that now and laugh but I remember being very upset that she didn't believe me at the time.
And now for Tuesday memes:
This or That Tuesday
1. Super Bowl or World Series? Neither...but if I had to pick I'd go with the World Series I guess.
2. Winter or summer? I prefer spring or autumn, but I guess I'll go with winter, because summer here is nasty hot and blah. And winter isn't usually as bad as it has been this year.
3. Look up numbers in the phone book, or call directory assistance? Phone book, because there's no charge...if I can't find it there I'll resort to calling.
4. Mashed potatoes or French fries? depends on my mood. I do like them both.
5. Hand-code your website, or use an editor (such as Front Page)? Editor! I don't think I could hand-code it...it would make me crazy and my attention span probably wouldn't last long enough *lol*
6. Freeway or winding country road? Winding country road.
7. Star Wars or Star Trek? Um...star wars I guess...but the old ones, not the new ones.
8. Disney or Warner Brothers cartoons? Warner Brothers!!!! They kick ass.
9. When it feels chilly in the house: crank up the heat or put on a sweater? I'll try the sweater first. Sometimes that's no enough so I'll put the heat up too...and besides, I don't pay for heat so... ;)
10. CBS or PBS? PBS.
Tuesday Too
1.)Where in the world does your lap go, when you stand up? It falls onto the floor. Please don't step on it. Thank you.
2.) "Life's is mysterious, don't take it serious." Are you easily riled by things you could have laughed off? Why does,or doesn't that happen to you? Not so much. I think sometimes it happens when I'm already feeling stressed about other things, and it just makes me feel overwhelmed. But for the most part I just laugh it off, or shrug it off.
3.) On the other hand, some things are serious. What argument/situation can't you walk away from? Things that are wrong in my opinion. Things that are damaging to people in the long or short run even I guess.
Friday, January 17, 2003
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Ad stuff
B3TA Advertising Challenge Some dead funny stuff. Spoofing ads...anyone can do it. :) (found via ad-rag.com)
GE launching new slogan- "General Electric is jettisoning its "We bring good things to life'' slogan after nearly a quarter-century for a new campaign that emphasizes the innovative spirit that Thomas Edison started at GE more than a century ago. The new $100 million advertising campaign, ``Imagination at work,'' is meant to tout the Fairfield, Conn.-based conglomerate's reputation for innovation at all its businesses, from the NBC television network to its appliances, medical equipment and financial services. The ads, set to debut Sunday, have a humorous touch. In one, the Wright Brothers' rickety plane, strapped with a GE aircraft engine, roars and morphs into a jet. Edison is the lead character in another spot: The stern-faced inventor's head cracks open, a la Monty Python, with visions of aircraft engines, refrigerators and other GE products spilling out. Chairman and Chief Executive Jeffrey R. Immelt said shortly after he was appointed in September 2001 that he wanted to rethink the company's image. The "Imagination at work'' TV ads are scheduled to air during the Golden Globe Awards." It will be interesting to see if this is as effective as the old tagline was.
Buzzword for advertising in 2003- Value"- "In spite of the intellectual argument that a consistent advertising presence through both good times and tough times has a positive long-term result, advertisers tend to listen to their gut when times are tough, and they pull back on their advertising. As a reflection of that trend, more than 20,000 jobs have been lost in the advertising industry over the past 18 months, primarily due to an aggregate slowdown in advertising dollars. While spending has been cut, the expectations of what advertising can and must do for brands and businesses is increasing. Almost everyone who is responsible for an advertising budget is faced with a similar situation – higher sales goals, reduced advertising resources. In this environment, the primary driver of advertising decisions is based on value: Am I buying something that is going to work, and am I buying it at a good price? So for 2003, more than ever, the advertising battleground between buyers and sellers is going to be fought over value."
Ad agency snubs convention in new Saturn spots. " "The challenge for Goodby is to build on what Riney started for the brand while making it relevant to the brand and effective for the new model," said Jerry Gibbons, West Coast director of the American Association of Advertising Agencies. The Ion campaign is estimated to represent $30 million to $50 million in ad spending. It is aimed at people who are in transition, moving on with their lives, said agency co-founder Jeff Goodby. By contrast, he complained, much of the other auto advertising for the same audience shows one-dimensional relationships between cars and owners - "badges of cool." He said these ads depict people who have fallen into "the tragically hip 28-year-old" trap."
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Weekly Wrap-Up
1. Does everyone have a right to privacy? Why or why not? Who doesn't deserve a right to privacy, if anyone? Why? Everyone deserves privacy. I think those who do not are those who are *known* to be involved in criminal acts and those who have in the past- ie- those in prision.
2. When is an invasion of privacy justifiable? When is it not? When there is a justifiable question of wrong doing going on, invasion of privacy makes sense. If there's not a significant reason to be poking around where one doesn't belong, then it's not justifiable.
3. Do employers have the right to monitor employee Internet usage (recording keystrokes, surveying email, etc.)? Why or why not? There's a point at which it isn't unreasonable for employers to monitor Internet useage but it comes after a drop in productivity or seeing employees visit inappropriate web sites (for the office at least). Other wise I don't see the need for it. Surveying email and such can be bad too since there's so much spam in peoples inboxes, that time you accidently may have hit on a link you shouldn't have, could cause trouble. Employers need to acknowledge this. At my old job we had to access some info from the fbi website for research. Every once in a while someone would forget that it's not ".com" but ".gov" and they'd hit the porn site instead. This was usually followed by a curse of some kind.
4. Are surveillance cameras in banks, ATMs, parking lots, shopping centers, stadiums, etc. an unreasonable violation of personal privacy? Why or why not? When (and where) does the placement of a surveillance camera intrude on privacy? I don't think surveillance cameras at ATMs, banks and the like are unreasonable. They have helped to solve many crimes that often take place in those areas.
5. Does the government have a right to monitor everything we do in the name of national security? Why or why not? Under what circumstances might you support something like TIA? To monitor everything, no. Unless someone is under suspicion for reasonable reasons, there's no need for big brother to come into play.
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Daily Dose- Friday Face Off
1) Better condiment: ketchup (catsup) or mustard? Ketchup.
2) Better "hands-on" food: hamburger or hot dog? (Vegans use veggie burgers/dogs) burger.
3) Better taco: hard or soft shell? Soft shell.
4) Better cola: Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi.
5) Better Latin hottie: Shakira or Jennifer Lopez? J-Lo.
6) Better Urban hottie: Beyonce Knowles or Ashanti? I'll go wiht Beyonce Knowles cos I know who she is.
7) Better Country hottie: Faith Hill or Shania Twain? Faith Hill.
8) Better movie hottie: Halle Berry or Nicole Kidman? Nicole Kidman.
9) Better year: 2001 or 2002? 2001.
10) Better decade: 1980's or 1990's? 1980s.
Thursday, January 16, 2003
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Will the Internet become a significant advertising medium?- Two take a look at what the possibilites of advertising online could be.
Advertising you don't see until it's too late- "The advertising industry is warming to the challenge of selling products to a new generation of savvy consumers who are less drawn to conventional advertising. The more invisible the strategy, the better. The idea is to trick consumers into believing they are discovering a promotion, rather than responding to an ad. Advertising and marketing agencies are producing TV shows, making films, publishing books, writing pop songs and organising events. Mitsubishi, Sanity Music, Lion Nathan and Unilever are part of the push into TV production."
US State department ends Muslim ad campaign"- Apparently the ads were uneffective! Gee...that's a surprise. ;-) Honestly, the fact that the goverment thought that showing these ads would change perceptions or change how people think is just ludicrous.
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Something spacey
Supernova Hunting- "Understanding these incendiary objects is important in part because they are responsible for creating most of the elements in the universe, including the stuff of which people, plants and planets are made. Separate supernova findings -- some just made and others imminent -- are contributing to closure of a different case involving how fast the universe expands. And over the weekend, a new NASA satellite called CHIPS was launched to observe the so-called Local Bubble, a puzzling region of space that might have been carved out long ago by an exploded star."
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Thurs Thumb Twiddler
1. Hanging out with your boss and co-workers, you're made very uncomfortable by some of the sexist humor being bandied about. What do you do? Honestly I'm not sure. I guess if it was just minor kinds of stuff I'd just walk away. If it was really offending me I'd tell them to stop or find someone to tell about it.
2. You are sure a neighbor child is being regularly abused by her parents, such that you worry for her health and life. The police and Child Protective Services are unable or unwilling to intervene. What would you do? Write an article for the local paper about abused children and put the truth out there. Beyond that I'd keep and eye on her and do what I could to help.
3. What modern invention would you most miss if it were removed from your life? My computer.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Health- Do any of your hopes for the New Year concern health issues? Well, I don't do resolutions, mostly because I never end up keeping up with them. I am working on eating better and that kind of thing.
Twosome: Wealth- What if you didn't have the ten million we were talking about last week on the Porch. What if you had an extra $100 dollars? Where would it go? Uh-uh! No necessities! You can only spend it frivolously! I'd probably go buy either some books or go get my hair done. Or shoes. Hmm tough choice!
Threesome: And Happiness- What would make you happy today? ...and not world peace, just something easy for you. Being called about a job. Or not finding my checking account as empty as I think it will be when I go to the bank.
3 for Thursday (#17):
1. What's the three worst times you've been sick (if you can remember). This would also include any hospitalization time you've had to endure. Last year I had a wicked throat thing. They said it wasn't mono but it was something like it. Couldn't eat or drink for days and it sucked. Years ago when I had a seizure...they did a spinal tap. I couldnt stand up for nearly a week because of the pressure change. It's not really being sick sick but it kept me off my feet for a while. And I guess the third would be a really nasty flu I had a while back. Really high fever and lots of nastiness.
2. What three things help to make you feel better when you're sick. My cat, sleep, and paddington bear. :)
3. What are 3 things/activities you would call in sick for when you're not really sick? My sanity, family visiting in town, or hmm, can't think of a 3rd at the moment haha.
4. If you've ever faked sick to get out of something, what are 3 illnesses you claim? Usually it's either a cold or sinus problems.
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Miller Lite "Cat fight" ad gets some people upset. "Every time I see it, I cringe," says Laura Ries, an image guru. "It's explicit. It's degrading. It has no real message, except all men are idiots and all they think about are girls mud wrestling." "Miller executives say the spot is a hit with its target audience: 21-to-31-year-old beer drinkers. "They see it for what it is: a hysterical insight into guys' mentality," says Tom Bick, Miller Lite brand manager. "It's really a lighthearted spoof of guys' fantasies." " I actually thing it's a very good commerical. It ties together the old campaign of "tastes great. less filling." to their new ad campaign. And since it is what some guy is saying would be a great commerical...that's what guys are like. They say and think things like that. People need to calm down.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
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Surf the friendly skies- On 15 January Lufthansa will start offering travellers the ability to surf the net and send and receive e-mails in real time as they fly. The in-flight net service will use satellite links to connect passengers to the terrestrial internet and help businesses contact executives while they are flying across the Atlantic. For the duration of the three month trial the net service will be offered free to Lufthansa customers. The first commercial service giving passengers in-flight net access will operate between Frankfurt and Dulles airport in Washington DC. (via bbc.co.uk)
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Daily Dose-The 10 on Tuesday: Top 10 Relationship Essentials. (a day late)
1. Honesty
2. Humor
3. Able to have interesting conversations
4. Good chemistry *ahem* ;)
5. Brains
6. Open-minded
7. Flexible to situations
8. Respect
9. Communication
10. Supportive
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
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This or Dat Tuesday: Around the House
1. Window shades or blinds? I like shades, but blinds are hand in a few places where the light gets through.
2. Wall or desk calendar? Wall calendar
3. Paint or wallpaper? Paint.
4. Electric or gas stove? We've got an electric but I prefer gas ones because there's more control.
5. Carpeting or bare floors? Carpeting.
6. One TV, or more than one? More than one.
7. Leather or fabric sofa? Fabric.
8. Eat meals in kitchen or dining room? We tend to eat in the living room.
9. Fabric or vinyl shower curtain? Vinyl
10. Your kitchen: well-equipped or bare bones? Well-equipped for the most part
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Agenices start preparing for State Ad-Tax threat. No U.S. state is yet considering legislation taxing ad time and space, but the industry has cause to fear that this perennial threat might have some teeth in 2003. "There is general agreement in the business community that the tax issue at the state level is more dangerous now than at any time in recent history," said Dan Jaffe, evp of government relations at the Association of National Advertisers. (via adweek.com)
Ad exec skewers SUV-terrorism campagin. "Marcie Brogan, managing partner of Brogan & Partners, sent e-mails to 800 people in her database opposing the Detroit Project's TV spots that link SUVs to terrorists. The Detroit Project, a coalition headed by syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington, broke a spot Sunday in four local markets, mostly during the broadcast of Meet the Press, that portrays SUVs as gas guzzlers that aid terrorists." (via adage.com)
4A's Chief has an opinion on Ries and Zyman Books. "Two recent books -- Sergio Zyman's The End of Advertising as We Know It and The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR by Al and Laura Ries -- take several heavy-handed shots at the role and value of advertising agencies in today's marketplace. They suggest that, for most practical purposes, the kind of traditional advertising that most agencies produce is dead on its feet, a dinosaur without real impact or relevance to marketers or consumers. But upon close reading it's evident that the books' titles are considerably more inflammatory and negative about advertising and advertising agencies than the contents themselves. Putting all drama and personal business agendas aside, the fact is we're not about to witness the "end" or "fall" of anything." These books have created a minor stir in the ad world. I say minor because most advertising people see them as being biased and sensational. But as Mr. Drake points out...it has fostered some discussion and debate which is always good. (via adage.com)
New study shows 47% of doctors feel pressured by DTC Drug Advertising. Drug advertising is always a hot topic. "Ninety-two percent of the doctors said they had been asked for specific advertised drugs by patients." (via adage.com)
Monday, January 13, 2003
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Participation Positives: Been ages since I've done this and I feel the need to today
~ Two possible job things in progress
~ Hand I burned yesterday is feeling better already
~ I have a big ass cup of joe next to me
~ My cat is showing signs of improvement yay
~ C took yesterday off and we had a great day together
~ Getting a kiss in the morning while still half asleep
~ Didn't go over my minutes last month on my cell phone when I was expecting I had
Monday Memories
How old were you when you were first romantically or sexually attracted to someone? Did you do anything about it? Did you tell anyone? Did you write a long mushy entry in your diary or scribble their name everywhere? Would you still be attracted to them now?
I think it has to have been Ricky Schroder...back when he was on Silver Spoons. I think I was maybe 7 years old or something. I remember having a dream where he appeared in my house and kissed me. I thought that was the best. Now though....he doesn't do anything for me.
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.2
1. Have you ever bought something you were so excited about and found out later that it didn't work? Were you able to return it? How did it go? Yes. I was able to return it. When I was younger I bought a dress I loved, and was made to return it by my mum.
2. I have a Palm (Pilot) for my date book and such, but have been thinking of jumping to the PocketPC world at some point. Do you have a PDA (personal digital assistant)? What kind, and how did you decide? What do you like about it? If you don't own one, do you want one or do you do better without such gadgets? I don't have one. I wouldn't mind one but I don't really need something like that right now. I'm fine with my little paper version of a calendar for now.
3. What illness do you wind up catching more than any other? Colds...at least lately. I used to get bronchitis a lot but no in a long time *knock on wood*
4. Do you like going to see the Doctor (any type)? I don't mind.
5. How about the Dentist? Do you like going? Do you go in every 6 months for a check-up? hahah...I think PromoGuy's been talking to my mum. She's been bugging me for ages to go to the dentist. I hate the dentist. I need to get a new one because the one I've got annoys me. I don't mind cleanings, but they tend to "find" things and then the appointments to fix stuff is what I hate.
6. Are you a "Dog Person" or a "Cat Person?" Do you think a person's choice tells you something about their personality? I don't know that I'm one or the other. I like them both. But I guess as I have a cat now I'm a cat person.
7. I've mentioned before how me and a buddy of mine have just let our friendship lapse. There was no disagreement, but we've hit that point where we have nothing in common anymore. My life has progressed and he is still living in 1992. Have you ever had a friendship that just seems to have run its course? Where there is just nothing there anymore? What finally happened? It seems like that happens a lot to me. Most of the time the relationships just peter out. I have one friend who seems to never want to get together anymore. Whenever I say we should, I get a "yeah, we should. I'll call you sometime." Ha. It's sad...we've been friends since 6th grade and now we just send each other holiday cards.
BONUS: Do you want to see me beggin' baby? Yes. Can't you give me just one more day? No ;)
Friday, January 10, 2003
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Ever wonder how to make music with your phone? Now you don't have to wonder any more. The site contains directions on which buttons to hit to play some of the classic songs.
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Weekly Wrap-Up #37 - Reality TV
1. Do you watch reality television? Why or why not? No. It's stupid.
2. What reality television show is your favorite? Why? I guess the Osbournes because Ozzy is funny.
3. What reality television show do you dislike or despise? Why? Pretty much all of them.
4. If you could appear on any reality television show, which one would it be? Why? I'd rather not. I think I'd rather listen to nails on a chalkboard than be on one of those.
5. Describe your ideal reality television show. Since I'm not a fan of the whole concept for the most part I don't have an ideal reality show.
Friday Five
1. Where are you right now? In the study.
2. What time is it? 12.43pm
3. What are you wearing? pjs and a sweatshirt.
4. Any people or animals around you? Describe them. Well there's a dead ladybug on the window sill. That's about it :)
5. What are your plans for the weekend? Not sure yet.
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Norwegian council kills busty ad "OBOS, Norway's largest cooperative building and housing agent, has been ordered to cease using an advertisement - featuring a busty woman over a double entendre riddled text - after the Market Council deemed it offensive to women. This advertising image was not offensive by itself, only when coupled with talk of balconies and access." (via Clay)
Thursday, January 09, 2003
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Preparing Asia for the World Cup, English-style (quicktime or media player) more viral stuff from the same people
How to fry an egg using your computer
Online Foreign Groceries Museum
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Pop Matters- an interesting site I came across. Reviews and opinions on music, books, tv, films and more.
Ad news stuff
New campagin for Coke- For years there's been the battle between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. Last year we got bombarded by Britney Spears (and soon Beyonce Knowles) hawking Pepsi. Now get ready for Coke to fight back and try to take back the youth market. Starting during the "American Music Awards" on ABC, Coke will break the first of more than a dozen new spots. The concept behind these new spots is Coke (not the sniffing kind) celebrities in their "real" life. The new spots star Penelope Cruz and Courteney Cox Arquette (and hubby David) and singer Mya. "All of the commercials close with variations of the new tagline, “Coca-Cola...Real,” a reference to the soft drink’s classic slogan, “The Real thing.” Other commercials focus on regular people caught in “bonding” moments. In “Science,” two young men sharing useless trivia meet two cute girls near a Coke machine. The ads were carefully tested with consumers who want brands to be “genuine, authentic and real,” Chris Lowe, chief marketing officer of Coca-Cola North America said in a statement."
Bringing back an old idea in the age of TiVO- "Envisioning the possible demise of the traditional 30-second television commercial, a number of advertisers have banded together to buy six prime-time hours on an American broadcast network this summer to present a variety show that will contain no commercials at all. The advertisers, which so far include Pepsi-Cola and Nokia phones, aim to create what the program's producer, Michael Davies, called "a contemporary, hip Ed Sullivan show" for the youth-oriented WB Network. The program will try to highlight the companies' products in creative ways, like building them into a singer's performance or a comedian's routines."
First there were ads linking doing drugs to supporting Terrorists. Now there are ads linking driving and SUV to supporting Terrorists. "The two ads are already generating controversy even before they begin airing. A group opposed to U.S. reliance on foreign oil are behind the 30-second ads, which their creator said are intended to be humorous parodies. One commercial features a child's voiceover connecting the dots between a man filling his gas tank and terrorist training footage. The closing statement: "Oil money supports some terrible things. What kind of mileage does your SUV get?" The other ad features talking heads commenting about their SUVs. One person says, "My kids think it's cool." Another says, "I helped blow up a nightclub." Click here to view the commercials via the KCRAChannel.com The Detroit Project was created by Americans for Fuel Efficient Cars, a group co-founded by Huffington, film producer Lawrence Bender, environmental activist Laurie David, and movie and TV agent Ari Emanuel. The $50,000 cost of creating the ads was covered by thousands of individual small contributions. Major donors contributed the $175,000 to buy air time. The ads, written and directed by Scott Burns, who was part of the creative team responsible for the "Got Milk" campaign, will air this Sunday on "Face the Nation" and "Meet the Press." "
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The funny thing about this is earlier this evening while watching something on tv (I don't remember the show or channel), there was an ad with Cameron Diaz and Gwenyth Paltrow doing a "candid" spot talking about how using low energy lightbulbs and switching to a hybrid type car would help lessen the US dependency on foreign oil. Sadly the ad might have been slightly more effective if it wasn't completely obvious that they were reading off cue-cards. ;)
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Spacey news
Exploding star may produce backyard show- "A rare hypergiant star visible to the naked eye from Earth erupted explosively and may do so again at any time, an event that might be visible to backyard astronomers, a team of researchers said today. The star might even disappear for a while. The eruption was recorded in early 2000 and made public here today at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society. A quantity of ejecta equal to 10,000 earths was shot into space, more than astronomers have ever witnessed in a single stellar eruption."
Black Hole Music-"A CD of black hole music most likely can't compete with Britney Spears or the Soggy Bottom Boys, but a new study shows these venerable gravity instruments produce complex tunes whose underlying principles are remarkably similar to pop, bluegrass, classical or any other style you might think of." (an old article but I just came across it...and it's interesting)
Milky Way's Central Black Hole captured by Chandra- "The longest X-ray look yet at the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center has given astronomers unprecedented access to its life and times. The new data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory revealed that our galaxy's central black hole is a frequent bad actor, prone to numerous outbursts and occasional large explosions."
Astronomers identify a new type of star- "A new type of star has been discovered lurking as a low mass component in a very compact binary star system. Astronomers Steve B. Howell of the University of California, Riverside and Tom Harrison of New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, announced today at the American Astronomical Society Meeting in Seattle, Wash., that they have confirmed the existence of a new variety of stellar end-product. This previously unknown type of star has some properties similar to brown dwarf stars and may help astronomers understand some of the recently discovered extra-solar planets in close proximity to their suns."
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Places to go
the cyber "I Love Starbucks/Coffee" clique- debating joining this.
Theme Thursday- I should start doing this.
Brain fart
I feel kinda blah today. There's things to do and I just don't have the motivation to get going on them. Like cleaning up the kitchen. It's been a disaster for a week or so and really needs to be cleaned up. I did start on it while the coffee was brewing but it still needs a bit more work. Although yesterday I did a massive cleaning job on the bathroom which was in dire need of it. I also need to go out and run some errands. I'd be more motivated if I had to go out and clean off the car but the snow we got last night wasn't all that much and it melted already so, that's not there to do. I guess it may be odd that cleaning off the car would motivate me in a way, but it does. I'm not quite sure why. I guess it's because I'm a bit strange.
I'm hoping for things to pick up on the job front. That's another thing I have to do today....checking job boards. And I should get some emails sent out. I'm sort of working on a new design for my site too but, I've been having trouble staying focused while working on it. I should probably do some fixing on this place as well as there are still a few bugs that need to be squished.
I should title things more often on here. But I get lazy.
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Thurs Thumb Twiddler
1. Someone you deeply love is horribly murdered. The person you know did it gets off. Do you take justice/revenge into your own hands? I'd be very tempted to but I don't think I would be able to.
2. If you learned you were going to die in two days, would you have any regrets? If you suddenly got a five year respite, could you avoid those same regrets? In two days...I'd have a few regrets. I think if I had more time I'd be able to avoid at least some of them.
3. What's the greatest fashion faux pas -- wearing clothes too big, clothes too small, clothes ten years out of date, or clothes for someone ten years older than you? Too small. It makes me sick to see people squeezed into clothes too small for them. They look like sausages or something. For an example see Anna Nicole Smith.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Commercial- Are there any TV commercials that really grab you? I mean, to the point you want to show them to other people? There are a few. Although it seems that lately there have been less of them.
Twosome: Holiday- Valentine's Day is coming up, do you celebrate the holiday or do you prefer to just let it pass you by? I celebrate it but usually it's nothing major. Just little gifts or something. I hate playing into the whole "hallmark"iness of the holiday though.
Threesome: Madness- Even if you don't celebrate it, do you sucumb to the madness and buy up boxes of chocolates, just for you? Not usually. I prefer the candy message hearts.
3 for Thursday (#16):
1. If you could only watch 3 things on TV what would they be (like, just all sports, Doctor Phil and Oprah, Lifetime for Women movies, or similarly, reruns of "chick flick" movies like "Chocolat" or "Titanic"). I would have to go with cheesy movies from the 80s (all those teen flicks like the Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles), action movies (like Die Hard), and cartooons!
2. While you're watching these shows, what are your 3 favorite snack foods (for instance, buffalo fingers, pizza, or burgers and fries...or just anything alcoholic because your significant other is forcing you to watch chick flick reruns)? I don't tend to snack much while watching tv but when I do I like BBQ potato chips, nachos or fruit (like pomegrantes and oranges).
3. If you could make a movie, what 3 actors/actresses would you have star in the movie? Tim Roth, Sean Connery, and Ashley Judd. (It's so hard to pick just three!)
4.Do you do anything while watching TV or just sit in front of the tube like a slug? Sometimes I'll pay bills or do something else but I sometimes just sit there too.
BONUS: Who controls the remote at your house? Have you every fought over the remote with your significant other? Tell the story. The significant other does....definitely. It's such a man thing. We haven't really fought over it because it doesn't really bother me.
Daily Dose-
1) Do you own a cell phone? If not, do you plan to get one? If yes, what kind do you own? Yes I do. The phone is a Motorola I think. I got it cos it was cheap with the plan and the money I actually paid for the phone went to a charity which is pretty cool.
2) What features do you look for in a cell phone? Reception. And I guess battery length.
3) Would you ever consider buying a watch phone? Doubtful. But you never know.
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
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Did Jesus heal using cannabis? Article in the Guardian takes a look at what researchers have found out.
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Vodafone's run of ill luck with advertising has continued after being rebuked when a child "nearly choked" on a throat sweet contained in a mailshot sent out by the firm. The Advertising Standards Authority agreed with a complaint from the child's parents that the operator had been "irresponsible" to include the lozenge when it could have fallen into children's hands. In turn, Vodafone apologised for the stress it had caused. The company landed in trouble in November last year after one of its ads was deemed to encourage users to write text messages while driving. In October, it was ticked off by the ASA for ads the watchdog called "explicit and gratuitous"."
Schools consider selling ad space on school grounds. With the way the economy is, schools are hit hard. Unfortunately they need to come up with alternative ways to get money into the school to finance programs. "In our current economic environment, schools need to be creative," said Acushnet School Superintendent Harold G. Devine. "If finances get any worse, that's certainly something that could be put on the table here." It's actually quite sad that it has to come to this kind of idea.
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
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This or That
1. "Time" or "Newsweek"? Newsweek
2. "Wall Street Journal" or "National Enquirer"? Wall Street Journal
3. "Sports Illustrated" or "Cook's Illustrated"? Cook's Illustrated
4. "Martha Stewart Living" or "MAD Magazine"? Martha...yes I know.
5. "Cosmopolitan" or "Maxim"? Cosmo.
6. "People" or "Entertainment Weekly"? Entertainment Weekly
7. "National Geographic" or "Readers Digest"? National Geo
8. "Good Housekeeping" or "Popular Mechanics"? Good Housekeeping
9. "PC World" or "MacWorld"? MacWorld
10. "Southern Living" or "Yankee" (magazine about New England living)? Yankee I guess.
Monday, January 06, 2003
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And now for something completely British- a very cool site for anglophiles! :)
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.1
1. What is one of your favorite things to wear? My pajama bottoms...they are super comfy.
2. Did you get any "dud" gifts for the holidays? Will you return them? Nope and nope.
3. Let's do a few "Best of 2002" thoughts. What was the best movie of 2002? Why did you pick that one? Lord of the Rings....cos it was goood.
4. What world event of 2002 made an impact on you? Um...bad economy I guess.
5. What personal event of 2002 was the most memorable? Moving in with da man.
6. Is there anything in 2002 (decisions, relationships, purchases, etc.) that, looking back, you would have done differently? Not that I can think of. I'm sure there's something(s) but none that I remember.
7. Shine up your magic crystal ball and look into the future. What do you think will happen in your life in 2003? Or, what would you like to happen in 2003? A job a job a job!!!
BONUS: Was it somethin' I said or somethin' I did, did my words not come out right? Of course.
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Adage Bobby awards- I have to disagree with them on some of their picks though. Like Britney Spears and Mike Piazza. Honestly the only celebs they mention are the ones with the massive airtime behind the spots. There has to have been other celebs in ads that were better than these.
Saturday, January 04, 2003
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More snow. woo. Actually it's not so bad. I just wish I didn't keep getting plowed in. Seems no matter where I park my car is the one that gets the boulder sized hunks of snow pushed behind it.
Friday, January 03, 2003
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Short words to explain relativity- Interesting and well written (found at blogdex).
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Blurring Ads and TV programs. The deal, which makes up most of a $2 million advertising package that Labatt bought on Fox Sports Net for 2003, also calls for cameos by the bear mascot featured in recent Labatt Blue commercials.
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Spacey
"Dark energy" rules the universe- "This finding provides strong support for a universe which is dominated by a kind of energy we've never directly observed," says Chaboyer. "Observations of distant supernova have suggested for a few years that dark energy dominates the universe, and our finding provides independent evidence that the universe is dominated by this type of energy we do not understand."
Age of the universe revised, again. In a study published today in the journal Science, a team of researchers says the universe is between 11.2 billion and 20 billion years old. Most estimates in recent years have ranged between 10 billion and 15 billion years. Last year, data supplied by the Hubble Space Telescope led to an apparently refined estimate of 13 billion to 14 billion years.
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Friday Five
1. Do you wear any jewelry? What kind? Yep. I have three rings that I tend to wear a lot. And depending on where I'm going or my mood I'll put on earrings and/or a necklace and/or a bracelet.
2. How often do you wear it? Rings I wear most of the time. Unless I forget to put them back on or something. Other stuff I usually wear when going out. I have a watch I used to wear all the time but it needs a new battery and I keep forgetting to get it done.
3. Do you have any piercings? If so, where? Yeah. Just my ears. One on each.
4. Do you have any tattoos? If so, where? Nope.
5. What are your plans for the weekend? I have no idea.
Thursday, January 02, 2003
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3 for Thursday- New Things!
1. What are 3 things you’d like to try (whether activities, foods, etc.,)? I'd like to try changing a tire, since I've never done it before and only know what to do in theory. I'd like to attempt to cook some indian food at home. And, I'd like to try to be more neat...apartment is a disaster! :)
2. What are 3 things you’ve tried and wished you hadn’t? Fish. Sushi. Lobster.
3. What are 3 things people have tried to get you to try and you refuse? What’s your reasons for not trying it? Shellfish. It makes me feel sick just smelling it usually. I can't think of any other ones right now. Agh.
4. What are 3 naughty things you’d like to do (interpret naughty things any way you’d like)? Hehehe. Eat a whole pint of B&J ice cream, something with my man, and I'd like to egg the cars of all those who don't hire me.
5. What are 3 wishes you have? To get a job, to have some money and not be broke all the time anymore and a big bagel with cream cheese (haven't had breakfast yet! )
BONUS: What 3 things worry you the most that may happen in the new year? I don't even want to say because then it's put out there and all that. I'd rather not think about that kind of thing.
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Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Postage Hey, did all your packages and cards get delivered? ...or are you (or perhaps someone on the receiving end) still expecting something 'any day now'? I think all of mine got to their destinations. Supposedly I have one still coming to me that I know of but, who knows.
Twosome: Due: Are you due for a break after all the excitement of the holidays? ...or are you just moving on with life? Maybe the upcoming weekend is a good thing to see on the horizon? Just moving on with life. Looking forward to the weekend although yesterday kept feeling like a Sunday.
Threesome: Two cents... What's your two cents on things wintery? Has it been one you can handle so far or a bit too much for your taste? So far it's been okay, besides the last time it snowed and I shoveled out my car from my space only to have a plow come along two days later and plow me back in. Argh. That kind of thing is frustrating. It's actually been quite wintery this year. More snow so far I think than we got all last winter. Or so it seems :)
Cup of Java © 2002-2009
keep on using that brain.